Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja following an invitation for questioning over alleged corruption and abuse of office during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
Sources within the anti-graft agency say he “has a lot to answer for,” with the possibility of a court-ordered remand as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a three-count criminal charge against him at the Federal High Court, Abuja, alleging unlawful interception of the phone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The charges are reportedly based on provisions of the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly had earlier recommended investigation and prosecution over alleged misappropriation of public funds running into hundreds of billions of naira—allegations previously dismissed by El-Rufai’s camp.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the development as political persecution, while protesters in Kaduna demanded updates on the Assembly’s probe.
Investigations remain ongoing.
