Prosper Okoye
Former Kaduna State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, amid ongoing investigations into alleged financial mismanagement during his eight-year tenure from 2015 to 2023.
Highly placed sources at the anti-corruption agency said on Monday night that El-Rufai “has a lot to answer for” and could remain in custody for further questioning, with the possibility of a court-ordered remand to allow investigators more time to examine fresh leads.
El-Rufai turned himself in following an official invitation from the EFCC. He arrived at the commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, around 11 a.m., accompanied by hundreds of supporters. He is being interrogated over alleged diversion of public funds, abuse of office, and mismanagement of loans obtained during his administration.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelA previous ad hoc committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly reported in June 2024 that loans obtained under El-Rufai’s administration were often misused and that due process was ignored in some cases. The committee alleged that approximately N423 billion had been misappropriated and recommended investigations and prosecutions of El-Rufai and members of his cabinet, including the former Commissioner for Finance, Shizer Badda.
El-Rufai’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, previously dismissed the allegations as “scandalous” and affirmed the integrity of the former administration.
DSS Charges Over Alleged Phone Interception
In a related development, the Department of State Services (DSS) filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court, Abuja, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the private communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
According to court documents, El-Rufai admitted during a live interview that he and associates had used technical equipment to intercept phone communications without reporting the act to security agencies. The DSS argues that this breached the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, as well as the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, posing a threat to public safety and national security.
El-Rufai also confirmed receiving an invitation from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for questioning in Abuja.
Political Reactions and Protests
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the federal government of persecuting El-Rufai, describing him as facing “unnecessary distractions” despite a record of public service.
Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters stormed the Kaduna State House of Assembly, demanding updates on the investigation into El-Rufai’s administration. Demonstrators urged lawmakers to ensure transparency and accountability over alleged misappropriation of state funds, including claims of N1.37 billion earmarked for a light rail project and other financial irregularities.
The protesters also raised concerns about alleged human rights violations and executive overreach during El-Rufai’s tenure. The Assembly, led by Speaker Yusuf Dahiru Liman, acknowledged the petition, affirming its oversight responsibilities and noting that “no individual is above the law.”
Current Status
El-Rufai remains in EFCC custody, with investigations continuing. Officials have not confirmed how long he will be held, but sources indicate the former governor may spend the night with investigators while inquiries proceed.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
