EFCC Detains El-Rufai, DSS Files Cybercrime Charges as Kaduna Assembly Faces Public Pressure

Former Kaduna State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, remains in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, following his voluntary appearance for interrogation over alleged corruption during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.

Ejes Gist News reports that contrary to claims of his release, the anti-graft agency is conducting detailed questioning to build a comprehensive case.

Highly placed sources within the EFCC indicated that the former governor “has a lot to answer for,” and his detention may be extended under court order to allow thorough investigation.

El-Rufai had responded to an earlier letter of invitation by the commission, arriving at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, at approximately 11 a.m., accompanied by hundreds of supporters.

Allegations of Financial Mismanagement

The probe stems from a June 2024 report submitted by an ad hoc committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which investigated loans, contracts, and expenditures under the El-Rufai administration.

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The committee, chaired by Henry Zacharia, concluded that several loans were not applied for their intended purposes and that due process was frequently disregarded. Speaker Yusuf Liman stated that approximately N423 billion was allegedly misappropriated, leaving the state with significant liabilities.

The assembly recommended the investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai and key members of his cabinet for alleged abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and money laundering.

The committee also suggested the suspension of the Commissioner for Finance, Shizer Badda, who served under El-Rufai. El-Rufai’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, previously dismissed the allegations as “scandalous,” defending the integrity of the former administration.

DSS Files Cybercrime Charges

In addition to EFCC’s probe, the Department of State Services (DSS) filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.

Court documents indicate that El-Rufai admitted during a live interview on Arise TV that he and associates intercepted the NSA’s communications, an act the DSS claims contravenes the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

The charges allege that the interception posed a threat to national security and public safety, noting that El-Rufai did not report the actions despite knowledge of their occurrence. The proceedings are recorded under case number FCT/ABJ/CR/99/2026.

Political Reactions

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the federal government of persecuting El-Rufai. In a social media statement marking the former governor’s birthday, Atiku described the detention as “unnecessary distractions” and praised El-Rufai’s public service record and leadership qualities.

Public Pressure in Kaduna

Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters converged on the Kaduna State House of Assembly, demanding updates on the investigation into El-Rufai’s administration. Led by Yerima Shettima of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI) and Aliyu Muhammad of the Coalition of Kaduna Stakeholders Forum (CKSF), the demonstrators submitted a petition urging transparency and accountability in the probe.

The petition highlighted alleged misappropriation of N423 billion, questionable expenditures including N1.37 billion for a light rail project, and alleged human rights violations during El-Rufai’s tenure. Protesters called for independent investigations by EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies in accordance with due process.

Speaker Liman acknowledged the petition, emphasizing that constitutional oversight would guide the assembly’s actions and reiterating that “no individual is above the law.” He affirmed that the house would continue its mandate irrespective of criticisms from the former governor.

Ejes Gist News can authoritatively report that El-Rufai remains in EFCC custody as investigations by both the anti-graft agency and the DSS continue, while legal proceedings for cybercrime charges are expected to advance in the coming days.