Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was detained Monday night by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after hours of interrogation over an alleged ₦432 billion corruption scandal.
El-Rufai arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 10 a.m. in response to an invitation from investigators and was questioned over allegations linked to a 2024 report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The report accused his administration (2015–2023) of misappropriating public loans, breaching due process in contract awards, and contributing to a sharp rise in the state’s debt profile.
Investigators are also examining claims related to the alleged surveillance of the phone of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, an accusation that could result in additional criminal charges.
A senior EFCC official disclosed that the probe has been ongoing for about a year, following the submission of findings by an ad hoc committee set up by the state assembly. The committee recommended the prosecution of El-Rufai and several former cabinet members for alleged abuse of office, contract irregularities, and money laundering. It further urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to collaborate with the EFCC in pursuing the case.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that El-Rufai was at the commission’s headquarters but declined to provide details about the interrogation.
The development marks a dramatic turn in the former governor’s political trajectory, coming amid his recent criticisms of the Federal Government and security agencies.
