Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, a prominent figure and former governor of Kaduna State, is currently in detention at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja. Contrary to some claims from his associates, sources within the anti-corruption agency confirmed that El-Rufai is being held for extensive interrogation.
Competent sources at the EFCC indicated that El-Rufai has significant questions to answer and is likely to remain in custody for a period to allow investigators to build a comprehensive case against him. Interrogation may necessitate a court order for extended remand, according to individuals familiar with the process.
El-Rufai voluntarily presented himself for questioning on Monday, responding to an invitation from the EFCC regarding investigations into his tenure as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
In June 2024, a Kaduna State House of Assembly ad hoc committee submitted a report investigating finances, loans, and contracts during El-Rufai's administration. The committee, chaired by Henry Zacharia, reported that many loans obtained were not used for their intended purposes and that due process was often bypassed.
The Assembly Speaker, Yusuf Liman, stated that approximately N423 billion was allegedly siphoned under El-Rufai, leaving the state with substantial liabilities.
The committee recommended that El-Rufai and several cabinet members be investigated and prosecuted for alleged abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and money laundering.
Furthermore, the committee proposed the immediate suspension of the Commissioner for Finance, Shizer Badda, who held the same position during El- Rufai's tenure.
Responding to the committee's report at the time, El-Rufai's spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, defended the integrity of his administration, dismissing the allegations as "scandalous."
However, reports indicate that El-Rufai is undergoing intensive grilling by the EFCC. Simultaneously, the Department of State Service (DSS) has filed a three-count criminal charge against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja, related to cybercrime allegations.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced his opinion, accusing the current federal government of politically persecuting El-Rufai.
On Monday, hundreds of protesters gathered at the Kaduna State House of Assembly, calling for an update on the legislature's ongoing investigation into El-Rufai's administration.
El-Rufai arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, around 11 am to face allegations concerning corruption and abuse of office during his governorship.
He was accompanied by numerous supporters. An EFCC source confirmed his presence, stating, "He is with our investigators," but could not specify the duration of his questioning. Another source suggested the possibility of arraignment.
This detention follows an earlier incident last Thursday where El-Rufai reportedly resisted arrest attempts by security operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In subsequent interviews, El-Rufai accused the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, of orchestrating the attempted arrest.
El-Rufai's detention by the EFCC is expected to continue as investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of office progress.
He arrived at the EFCC headquarters on Monday morning and had not emerged for several hours, with supporters gathered outside. Some counter-protesters also appeared, supporting the invitation and potential prosecution of El-Rufai, a vocal critic of past and present administrations.
Sources at the EFCC stated that El-Rufai was immediately taken to an interrogation room upon arrival. It is anticipated that he will spend the night in custody as the investigation is ongoing.
Regarding the legality of holding El-Rufai without a court order, an EFCC source mentioned that any necessary court orders for detention extension would be sought promptly.
Earlier reports indicated that El-Rufai might face charges in the Federal High Court, Abuja, for cybercrime offences, specifically alleged phone interception.
The DSS has filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja (FCT/ABJ/CR/99/2026) concerning allegations of unlawfully intercepting NSA Nuhu Ribadu's phone communications.
These charges stem from statements El-Rufai made during a live Arise TV interview on February 13, where he admitted to intercepting the NSA's private phone communications with associates.
The federal government contends that this act constitutes a serious violation of Nigeria's cybercrime and communications laws and poses a threat to public safety and national security.
Court documents further allege that El-Rufai, despite knowing those responsible for the interception, failed to report the matter to security agencies.
The DSS asserts that the unlawful use of technical equipment to intercept the NSA's communications jeopardized national security and created apprehension among the public.
The charges are based on the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
In a related development, El-Rufai confirmed receiving an invitation from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for questioning.
He stated on Friday that the ICPC requested his appearance on Friday, February 13, but the letter reached him late Thursday, February 12.
El-Rufai's lawyer reportedly responded to the ICPC, indicating his client would honor the invitation on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Atiku Abubakar, speaking on Monday, accused the federal government of persecuting El-Rufai, describing the situation as "unnecessary distractions."
In a birthday message shared on Facebook, Atiku acknowledged El-Rufai's achievements and leadership qualities, stating, "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."
On Monday, hundreds of protesters marched to the Kaduna State House of Assembly, demanding an update on the legislative investigation into El-Rufai's administration.
The demonstrators, led by Yerima Shettima of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI) and Aliyu Muhammad of the Coalition of Kaduna Stakeholders Forum (CKSF), presented a petition to Speaker Yusuf Dahiru Liman.
They urged the Assembly to accelerate public updates on the probe, with Shettima emphasizing the protest as a peaceful exercise to promote transparency and accountability.
The coalition expressed concern over the investigation's pace and the need for regular public information.
Shettima stated that issues under review involve public trust and institutional integrity, underscoring the need to hold former public officials accountable.
He noted that constitutional immunity no longer protects former officials, and allegations concerning public funds and citizen welfare must be addressed.
The protesters advocated for a public engagement mechanism allowing affected parties, including traders and displaced persons, to submit their views.
The petition highlighted allegations of financial mismanagement, including the purported misappropriation of N423 billion in loans and state funds during El- Rufai's eight-year tenure, as well as N1.37 billion for a light rail project and other questionable transactions.
Concerns were also raised about alleged human rights violations, executive overreach, and communal crises during his administration.
The group urged the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies to conduct independent investigations in accordance with due process.
Speaker Liman, in response, acknowledged the protesters' rights and assured them of the Assembly's commitment to its oversight functions.
He confirmed the establishment of an ad hoc committee in June 2024 to investigate alleged misappropriation of N432 billion and stated that its report had been forwarded for further action.
Liman affirmed that the House would remain focused on its mandate, despite El- Rufai's criticisms of the legislative inquiry, emphasizing that no individual is above the law and that "due process would guide every step taken by the Assembly."
By Chuks Okocha, Emmanuel Addeh, Alex Enumah, and John Shiklam.
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