Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, spent Monday night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja following hours of interrogation over alleged misappropriation of N432 billion during his tenure. The detention coincides with ongoing investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS) into separate security matters.
El-Rufai, a key figure in the African Democratic Congress, arrived at the EFCC’s Jabi headquarters at around 10 a.m. in response to an official invitation. Sources told reporters that he was questioned over allegations from a 2024 Kaduna State House of Assembly report, which accused his administration (2015–2023) of reckless borrowing, contract irregularities, and mismanagement of state loans.
A senior EFCC official said, “The commission has been investigating him for about a year. Suspects are invited only after the investigation reaches an advanced stage. He remains in custody and will not be released today.” EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed the former governor’s presence but declined to comment further.
The legislative report claimed about N423 billion was misappropriated, with additional disputed payments totaling over N1.5 billion, including funds earmarked for a light rail project. It recommended prosecution of El-Rufai and his aides for abuse of office, unlawful contract awards, and diversion of funds. El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing, describing the probe as politically motivated.
At the same time, El-Rufai faces criminal charges for allegedly intercepting communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, the charges allege he admitted on television to unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s calls and associating with others involved in the act. No arraignment date has been set.
The DSS has reopened the 2019 disappearance case of Abubakar Idris (Dadiyata), a lecturer abducted from Kaduna. Investigators are examining potential involvement of El-Rufai and his sons, who are also under scrutiny. His passport was reportedly seized to prevent travel abroad.
The developments sparked protests in Abuja and Kaduna. In Abuja, supporters of the Mega National Movement for Good Governance demanded full investigation into the alleged N432 billion misappropriation. In Kaduna, civil society groups pressed the State House of Assembly for updates on the legislative probe.
Human rights advocates, including former NHRC chairman Professor Chidi Odinkalu, called for accountability for alleged abuses during El-Rufai’s administration, citing cases such as the disappearance of Dadiyata and the killing of Dr. Maiwada Galadima.
Opposition figures expressed cautious concern. The New Nigeria People’s Party spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, suggested the case could be politically timed ahead of the 2027 elections, while Labour Party Interim Chair Senator Nenadi Usman said the Federal Government should have invited El-Rufai to clarify his claims before filing charges.
President Bola Tinubu praised NSA Ribadu as “honest, bold, courageous, and committed” and pledged support in combating terrorism, following El-Rufai’s claims that the NSA procured thallium sulphate without proper oversight - a charge denied by the agency and referred to DSS for investigation.
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