El-Rufai Arrives EFCC Headquarters Over Alleged Corruption

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Monday presented himself at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja as investigations intensify into alleged financial improprieties during his administration.

The spokesperson for the Commission, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that El-Rufai honoured the invitation and is being questioned by investigators.

“El-Rufai reported to the headquarters of the commission to answer questions on his administration of Kaduna,” Oyewale said, adding that investigators from the EFCC are currently engaging the former governor.

Assembly Probe and Allegations

The development follows a probe by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which constituted an ad hoc committee to examine the financial dealings and contractual liabilities incurred under El-Rufai’s tenure.

The chairman of the committee, Henry Zacharia, alleged that several loans obtained during the administration were either misapplied or secured without adherence to due process.

According to the Speaker of the Assembly, Yusuf Liman, a total of ₦423 billion was allegedly siphoned, leaving the state burdened with substantial liabilities.

The committee subsequently recommended the investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai and certain former cabinet members over alleged abuse of office, diversion of public funds and money laundering. It also called for the immediate suspension of the Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, who served in the same capacity under the previous administration.

El-Rufai Spokesman Debunks Claims

Responding to the allegations, El-Rufai’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, strongly defended the former governor’s record and dismissed the Assembly’s findings as politically motivated.

“Malam Nasir El-Rufai is immensely proud of his record of governance and the legacy he left in Kaduna State. This record of consistently high performance in public and private office cannot be altered by any malicious effort to use the auspices of a state legislature for defamation and undeserved smears,” Adekeye said.

He added that former officials appeared before the committee out of confidence in their service record but maintained that the process lacked fairness.

“They were under no illusion that they were participating in a fair process. It was obvious that the ad hoc committee was merely going through the motions of an inquiry just to give some gloss to predetermined conclusions,” he said.

“It is sad to see such a shameful departure from any notion of decency and fairness by a state legislature. We dismiss with contempt the claims being peddled in connection with the report.

“Malam El-Rufai wishes to assure discerning Nigerians that he has served Kaduna State with integrity and to the best of his capacity, assisted by a hardworking and patriotic team. He complied with all extant laws in all his activities while he was the governor. This jaundiced probe should be disregarded as the politically motivated hatchet job it is,” Adekeye added.

The EFCC appearance comes amid mounting legal challenges for the former governor. The Federal Government has already filed a separate three-count charge against El-Rufai over the alleged interception of communications belonging to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.