Former Kaduna State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, amid ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of office during his tenure.
Highly placed sources at the anti-corruption agency said Monday night that El-Rufai “has a lot to answer for” and would likely spend more time with interrogators. According to sources close to the probe, the scale of interrogation may require a court-ordered remand to allow investigators build a water-tight case.
El-Rufai turned himself in on Monday following an EFCC invitation linked to investigations into his administration between 2015 and 2023. He arrived at the commission’s headquarters around 11am, accompanied by supporters, and was led into an interrogation room shortly after.
A source disclosed, “He is with our investigators,” but could not confirm how long he would be questioned. Another source hinted at the possibility of his arraignment.
Kaduna Assembly Probe and Allegations
The development follows a June 2024 report by an ad hoc committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which investigated finances, loans and contracts awarded under El-Rufai’s administration.
Chairman of the committee, Henry Zacharia, said most loans obtained during the period were not used for their intended purposes, while due process was allegedly not followed in some cases. Speaker Yusuf Liman also alleged that N423 billion was siphoned, leaving the state with huge liabilities.
The committee recommended the investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai and some former cabinet members for alleged abuse of office, diversion of public funds and money laundering, as well as the suspension of former Finance Commissioner Shizer Badda.
Responding at the time, El-Rufai’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, dismissed the claims as “scandalous” and affirmed the integrity of the administration.
DSS Files Criminal Charges
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The charge, marked FCT/ABJ/CR/99/2026, followed comments El-Rufai made during a live television interview in which he allegedly admitted that he and associates intercepted the NSA’s communications.
According to court documents, the federal government said the alleged act constituted a serious breach of cybercrime and communications laws and posed a threat to public safety and national security. The charges are based on provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
Airport Incident and ICPC Invitation
Security operatives had earlier attempted to arrest El-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport last week, an attempt he resisted. In subsequent interviews, he accused Ribadu of orchestrating the move.
El-Rufai also confirmed receiving an invitation from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), stating that his lawyer had informed the commission he would honour the invitation on February 18, 2026.
Atiku Alleges Political Persecution
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of persecuting El-Rufai.
In a birthday message shared on Facebook, Atiku wrote, “Happy Birthday to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. A man of intellect, courage, and uncommon sagacity. Even amid the present political persecution and needless distractions, his record of service and clarity of thought and purpose remain undeniable. I wish him strength, peace, and Allah’s guidance in the years ahead.”
Protests Demand Probe Update
Hundreds of protesters on Monday stormed the Kaduna State House of Assembly demanding a formal briefing on the status of the investigation into El-Rufai’s administration.
The demonstrators said they were “concerned about the pace of the investigation and the need for regular public updates,” adding that “The issues under review relate to public trust, institutional integrity and the responsibility of democratic structures to hold former public office holders accountable for their stewardship.”
They insisted that “allegations involving public resources and citizens’ welfare must be conclusively addressed” and called for independent investigations by anti-corruption agencies.
Receiving the petition, Speaker Liman said the protesters were within their constitutional rights and assured them the Assembly remained committed to its oversight responsibilities, stressing that “due process would guide every step taken by the Assembly.”
Investigation Ongoing
Sources indicated that El-Rufai might remain in EFCC custody as investigations continue, with officials working to secure any necessary court orders to extend his detention if required.
The case has intensified political tensions, drawing sharp reactions from supporters and critics, while authorities continue legal and investigative proceedings.
