EFCC detains El-Rufai over alleged N423bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained former Kaduna State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Nasir El-Rufai in Abuja following his appearance at the agency’s headquarters over allegations linked to his tenure from 2015 to 2023.

Contrary to claims by some of his associates that he had been released, sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed Monday night that he remains in custody and is undergoing interrogation.

El-Rufai reportedly honoured an invitation by the EFCC on Monday morning, arriving at the commission’s office in Jabi, Abuja, around 11am, accompanied by supporters. Sources familiar with the development said investigators immediately commenced questioning and indicated that the former governor could spend additional time in custody as the probe continues.

There are also indications that the commission may seek a court-ordered remand to allow more time to conclude investigations and prepare what officials described as a comprehensive case.

The investigation follows a report submitted in June 2024 by an ad hoc committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which examined finances, loans and contracts awarded during El-Rufai’s administration.

The committee alleged that several loans were not used for their intended purposes and that due process was not followed in some instances.

Lawmakers further claimed that about N423 billion was siphoned under the previous administration, leaving the state with significant liabilities.

The committee recommended that security and anti-corruption agencies investigate and prosecute El-Rufai and certain former cabinet members for alleged abuse of office, diversion of public funds and money laundering.

El-Rufai’s spokesman had dismissed the allegations at the time as scandalous and politically motivated.

In a related development, the Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged unlawful interception of communications.

The charge, marked FCT/ABJ/CR/99/2026, stems from statements he made during a live television interview in which he allegedly admitted knowledge of the interception of the phone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

The federal government contends that the alleged actions contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, describing them as a threat to national security.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of persecuting El-Rufai. In a birthday message shared on social media, Atiku described the former governor as a man of intellect and courage facing political persecution, insisting that his public service record remains significant despite current challenges.

Tensions also played out in Kaduna, where hundreds of protesters stormed the Kaduna State House of Assembly demanding updates on the legislature’s investigation into El-Rufai’s administration. The protesters, led by civic groups, submitted a petition urging lawmakers to expedite public briefings and ensure transparency. Speaker Yusuf Dahiru Liman assured the demonstrators that the Assembly remained committed to due process and oversight responsibilities, stating that no individual is above the law.

El-Rufai has also disclosed that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) invited him for questioning in a separate matter, with his legal team indicating he would honour that invitation at a later date.

As investigations by multiple agencies continue, legal proceedings and possible arraignment are expected to shape the next phase of the unfolding case.

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