The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for a second night at its Abuja headquarters over alleged corruption during his tenure from 2015 to 2023. Sources indicated that the anti-graft agency may seek a remand order from a competent court to keep him in custody longer as investigations continue.
El-Rufai reportedly underwent another round of interrogation on Tuesday, with investigators questioning him over statements made by a former Commissioner for Finance who had earlier appeared before the commission. An EFCC source said the former governor was asked to respond to several documents and maintained that his rights were being respected, with access granted to his legal team.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing him of tapping the telephone line of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. A security source disclosed that the DSS plans to take him into custody ahead of his arraignment.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is also preparing to question the former governor over the alleged N1.3 billion failed Kaduna light rail project, adding to the legal challenges he currently faces.
El-Rufai presented himself at the EFCC headquarters on Monday following an invitation. His media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed that the former governor had a “frank and fruitful” interaction with investigators, describing the officials’ conduct as professional, and noted that he remained with the commission after the engagement.
