Tension Rises: El-Rufai Remains With EFCC Amid Fresh DSS Action

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, remained in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday night, as his lawyer, A.U. Mustapha (SAN), continued efforts to secure his bail.

El-Rufai had arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday around 10 a.m., responding to an invitation linked to an alleged ₦432 billion corruption investigation. He was subsequently held for further interrogation.

Sources within the anti-graft agency disclosed that investigators were weighing the option of obtaining a remand order to keep him in custody beyond the 48-hour statutory limit. A senior official, who spoke anonymously, dismissed online claims that the former governor had been released.

“Reports circulating on social media about his release are untrue. He is still with us and will spend another night in custody,” the source said, adding that investigators require more time to question him over issues arising from his eight years in office.

The official further revealed that the EFCC had been probing the matter for nearly a year before inviting El-Rufai for questioning. According to the source, the investigation stems from allegations raised by the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

In a telephone interview, Mustapha confirmed that his client was still being held but emphasized that El-Rufai was cooperating fully. He described him as a responsible citizen who honoured the EFCC’s invitation voluntarily and expressed hope that he would be granted bail, noting that he is presumed innocent under the law.

When pressed for details of the allegations, Mustapha declined comment, stating that only the EFCC could provide specifics. He also refrained from discussing the content of the interrogation, citing confidentiality.

The EFCC’s investigation follows the report of an ad hoc committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly in 2024 to examine financial transactions, loans, and contracts awarded between 2015 and 2023 during El-Rufai’s tenure. The committee alleged that several loans secured during that period were misapplied.

According to the committee’s findings, presented by Speaker Yusuf Dahiru Leman, approximately ₦423 billion was allegedly siphoned during the administration. The panel recommended the investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai and certain former cabinet members over claims including abuse of office, diversion of public funds, money laundering, irregular contract awards, and reckless borrowing. Petitions were subsequently forwarded to the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai has consistently denied the allegations, describing the probe as politically driven and maintaining that all loans obtained under his leadership were properly approved and used for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security projects.

DSS Files Separate Charges

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has instituted criminal proceedings against the former governor at the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

The three-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, was filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

According to court documents, El-Rufai allegedly admitted during a February 13, 2026 appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme that he and unnamed associates intercepted Ribadu’s communications. The charges include alleged unlawful interception, failure to report knowledge of the act to security agencies, and the use of technical equipment said to have implications for public safety and national security.

Prosecutors also claimed the alleged actions created apprehension among members of the public.

As of the time of this report, El-Rufai had not yet been arraigned in connection with the new charges.