EFCC Detains El-Rufai Over alleged N432 billion Probe

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has been taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following hours of questioning in connection with an alleged ₦432 billion corruption probe.

El-Rufai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, was detained Monday night at the EFCC’s Jabi headquarters in Abuja after honouring the agency’s invitation earlier in the day.

Sources within the EFCC told reporters that the former governor arrived around 10 a.m. and was interrogated regarding allegations highlighted in a 2024 report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

The report accused his administration of misappropriating state loans, violating due process in contract awards, and leaving Kaduna in significant debt.

“The commission has been investigating him for about a year now. As a commission, we don’t just rush to invite suspects. Persons accused are always the last; that is after we might have done our investigation to an advanced stage. We are investigating him on the allegations against him by the Kaduna State Assembly,” a senior EFCC source said.

Asked whether El-Rufai would be released after the interrogation, the source confirmed:

“He is still in our custody and wouldn’t be released today (Monday).”

In addition to the alleged financial misconduct, El-Rufai is reportedly expected to face prosecution over claims of illegally bugging the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that the former governor responded to the commission’s invitation but declined to provide details on the interrogation or next steps.