EFCC Detains El-Rufai, Details Emerges

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Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is currently under intense scrutiny by multiple federal agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), over allegations of fraud, terrorism financing, and national security breaches.

EFCC sources confirmed that El-Rufai remained at the commission’s Abuja office following an invitation. His media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, tweeted that the former governor “honoured the invitation, had a frank and fruitful interaction with EFCC officials, and continues to cooperate fully.”

EFCC Investigations

The EFCC is reportedly probing two major issues: alleged terrorism financing and financial improprieties during El-Rufai’s 2015–2023 tenure as governor of Kaduna State. Sources revealed that allegations include misuse of state funds and irregular loans.

Earlier yesterday, El-Rufai’s arrival at EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, drew both supporters and protesters. A minor scuffle ensued when some of his aides were prevented from entering the office.

Kaduna Assembly Report

El-Rufai’s legal troubles trace back to a falling out with his successor, Governor Uba Sani, and criticism of the APC and President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted El-Rufai and his aides for allegedly siphoning over N4 billion, including misused loans, recommending prosecution by security and anti-corruption agencies.

DSS Reopens Dadiyata Kidnap Case

The DSS has also seized El-Rufai’s passport to prevent travel abroad amid renewed investigation into the 2019 disappearance of government critic Abubakar Idris (Dadiyata). The probe reportedly includes El-Rufai’s sons. Officials said the case, which drew international attention, will now be broadened.

El-Rufai had previously claimed on ARISE Television that he only learned of a police confession related to Dadiyata’s abduction years later and denied knowledge of the lecturer’s existence.

Alleged Phone Tapping

Federal authorities have also charged El-Rufai over the alleged unlawful interception of communications belonging to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. The charges, filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, allege he compromised public safety and national security.

Cybersecurity expert Japheth Johnson warned that such phone tapping could jeopardize counterterrorism efforts and national security, highlighting the risks of selective enforcement of the Cybercrimes Act.

Public and Legislative Response

Amid the investigations, citizens staged a peaceful protest in Kaduna demanding updates on El-Rufai’s alleged misappropriation of N432 billion. The Kaduna Assembly Speaker, Yusuf Dahiru Liman, assured that the investigation would proceed according to due process and emphasized that no individual is above the law.

Protest leaders described the demonstration as a civic engagement to strengthen democratic institutions and promote transparency.

The EFCC and DSS probes continue, with El-Rufai currently cooperating with investigators while facing multiple legal challenges spanning financial misconduct, national security breaches, and human rights concerns.