Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has been released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after spending three days in custody.
However, reports indicate that he was immediately taken into custody by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) shortly after his release.
A source at the EFCC confirmed on Wednesday night that El-Rufai was freed by the anti-graft agency but was later picked up by ICPC officials.
“We have released him today, but he was shortly picked up after he was released by ICPC,” the source said.
Attempts to get official confirmation from the ICPC were unsuccessful, as calls to the agency’s spokesperson, John Odey, were not answered.
El-Rufai’s lawyer, A.U. Mustapha (SAN), also declined to confirm the development when contacted, saying it was too late to speak and asking to be reached the next day.
El-Rufai had arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 10am on Monday for questioning and was held until Wednesday.
Meanwhile, security agencies are said to be preparing for his arraignment over allegations bordering on unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The Federal Government on Monday filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
The charges are linked to comments El-Rufai allegedly made during an interview on Arise TV on February 13, 2026, where he claimed that he became aware of an alleged plan to arrest him through a leaked phone conversation involving the NSA.
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During the interview, he reportedly said, “Ribadu made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks that they are the only ones who listen to calls. But we also have our ways.”
In addition to the cybercrime allegations, the Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly reopened investigations into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, a lecturer who went missing after being taken from his residence in Kaduna.
Sources also claimed the DSS recently seized El-Rufai’s passport at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to prevent him from travelling abroad.
Investigators are also said to be examining past social media posts made by El-Rufai’s sons, Bello and Bashir, in connection with the Dadiyata case, with reports suggesting they may be invited for questioning.
