Sh*ck Move: Permanent Secretary Pulls Out Of El-Rufai’s Bail Following Threats

El-Rufai is being investigated for allegedly misappropriating over ₦433 billion between 2015 and 2023.

According to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Sahara Reporters, the EFCC initially offered administrative bail to El-Rufai, requiring a Permanent Secretary and a Director in a Federal Ministry to act as sureties. However, when the Permanent Secretary arrived at the commission to formalize the bail, the EFCC reportedly hesitated and later declined to proceed.

It was further reported that the Permanent Secretary withdrew from the process after allegedly receiving threats, raising concerns of intimidation or interference. The EFCC has yet to release an official statement on the development.

ICPC Invitation Uncertain

El-Rufai is also expected to appear before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Wednesday over separate corruption allegations.

It remains unclear if he will be able to attend due to his ongoing detention by the EFCC. Sources say his legal team formally notified the ICPC of the circumstances preventing him from appearing.

DSS Files Charges

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services has filed charges against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Court documents, filed under FHC/CR/99/2026, list El-Rufai, 65, as the sole defendant. The charges reference statements he made during a televised interview on February 13, 2026, on Prime Time.

• Count One: Alleged admission that he unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone communications, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

• Count Two: Alleged knowledge and association with individuals who intercepted the NSA’s communications without reporting them, violating Section 27(b) of the same Act.

• Count Three: Alleged use of technical systems that compromised public safety and national security, alongside others still at large, in breach of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

The prosecution is represented by Ernest O.M., Owan O.M., U.M. Bulla, C.S. Eze (PhD), and E.G. Orubor on behalf of the DSS.

The charges allege that El-Rufai and others created significant security risks by intercepting the NSA’s communications, with incriminating admissions cited from his February 13 interview.