Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja after hours of interrogation linked to an alleged ₦432 billion corruption investigation.
El-Rufai, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi around 10am on Monday after being invited by the anti-graft agency. However, he was reportedly held in custody late into the night.
Sources within the commission said the former governor was questioned over allegations connected to a 2024 report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which accused his administration of financial mismanagement, diversion of loans, and irregular contract awards.
A senior EFCC official disclosed that the investigation has been ongoing for nearly a year.
“He is still in our custody and wouldn’t be released today,” the source said late Monday night.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that El-Rufai honoured the invitation but declined to comment further.
Kaduna Assembly Report Fuels Probe
The interrogation is said to be tied to a legislative report which alleged that about ₦423 billion was misappropriated during El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure from 2015 to 2023.
The report claimed that several loans obtained by the state were not used for their intended purposes and that Kaduna was left with a heavy debt burden.
The lawmakers recommended the prosecution of El-Rufai and several members of his cabinet for alleged abuse of office, diversion of public funds, contract irregularities, money laundering, and reckless borrowing.
The report also mentioned disputed payments and contracts running into millions of naira, as well as alleged diversion of funds meant for a light rail project.
El-Rufai has repeatedly denied the allegations, insisting the probe is politically motivated and that all borrowed funds were properly appropriated for infrastructure, education, healthcare and security projects.
FG Files Charges Over Alleged Bugging of Ribadu’s Phone
In a separate development, the Federal Government has filed criminal charges against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges, filed under the Cybercrimes Amendment Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, reportedly stem from comments El-Rufai made during an interview on Arise TV on February 13, 2026.
In the interview, El-Rufai claimed that he became aware of an alleged plan to arrest him after someone tapped Ribadu’s phone and relayed the conversation.
He admitted the act was illegal but alleged that government agencies also engage in phone surveillance without court orders.
No date has been announced for his arraignment.
DSS Reopens Dadiyata Disappearance Case
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly reopened investigations into the 2019 disappearance of activist and lecturer, Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata.
Sources claimed the DSS is investigating El-Rufai and his sons over the case, and his passport was allegedly seized at the Abuja airport to prevent him from leaving the country.
Dadiyata was declared missing on August 1, 2019, after he was reportedly taken from his home in Kaduna by armed men. His whereabouts remain unknown.
Investigators are also said to be reviewing social media posts made by El-Rufai’s sons following the incident.
Protests Erupt in Abuja and Kaduna
The developments sparked protests in Abuja and Kaduna.
In Abuja, a group of demonstrators stormed the EFCC premises demanding a full investigation and prosecution, insisting that no one should be above the law.
At the same time, supporters of El-Rufai also gathered near the commission, chanting solidarity songs and accusing authorities of political persecution.
In Kaduna, civil society groups protested at the State House of Assembly, demanding updates on the legislative probe. Speaker Yusuf Dahiru Leman assured them that the process was ongoing and that anyone found guilty would face the law.
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Victims and Opposition Figures React
A coalition of terror victims in Kaduna State also demanded accountability for alleged abuses during El-Rufai’s administration, calling for thorough investigations and prosecutions.
Opposition parties, including the NNPP and Labour Party, questioned the timing and approach of the Federal Government’s actions, warning that the case could be politically driven ahead of the 2027 elections.
Tinubu Praises Ribadu Amid Tensions
President Bola Tinubu, during a visit to Adamawa State on Monday, praised Ribadu for his work as National Security Adviser, describing him as honest and courageous.
The remarks came amid heightened political tension following El-Rufai’s recent allegations and the filing of criminal charges.
For now, El-Rufai remains in EFCC custody, as investigations deepen and political reactions continue to build across the country.
