Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai remained in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday night, marking his second consecutive night with the anti-graft agency as his legal team pushes for his release on bail.
El-Rufai voluntarily presented himself at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday morning in response to an invitation from investigators probing an alleged ₦432 billion corruption scandal linked to his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.
A source within the EFCC, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the former governor was still being questioned and would not be released yet, dismissing social media reports suggesting otherwise. The source said investigators might seek a remand order to extend his detention beyond the 48-hour limit normally allowed under Nigerian law, to allow deeper questioning on matters arising from his eight-year administration.
El-Rufai’s lead counsel, A.U. Mustapha (SAN), has reiterated that his client has cooperated fully and should be granted bail. According to Mustapha, El-Rufai honoured the EFCC’s invitation and is not a flight risk, emphasizing that as a responsible citizen he abided by the due process.
The lawyer also declined to disclose details of the interrogation, describing such matters as confidential and the proper domain of the EFCC to clarify.
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The investigation stems from a 2024 ad hoc committee report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which accused El-Rufai’s administration of financial mismanagement, including the improper use of loans, contract breaches and a sharp rise in the state’s debt profile. The Assembly claimed that roughly ₦423–₦432 billion was allegedly diverted or misused, recommending prosecution of the ex-governor and some former aides.
El-Rufai has consistently rejected these allegations, labeling the probe as politically motivated while asserting that all public funds were appropriately used for infrastructure, education, healthcare and security.
In a related development, the Department of State Services (DSS) filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai in the Federal High Court, Abuja. The charge alleges unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu an offence under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
As of now, El-Rufai’s continued detention, potential remand, or bail hearing dates have not been officially announced by the courts or the EFCC. Both developments remain fluid, and further updates are expected as the legal processes unfold.
