Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has spent a second consecutive night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as investigations into alleged financial improprieties during his tenure deepen.
El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, presented himself at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday following an invitation by the anti-graft agency. However, after hours of interrogation, he was held in custody and remained with investigators through Tuesday night.
A senior EFCC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the former governor was still being questioned.
“As I am speaking with you, the former governor is still with our interrogators and will be spending the night with them. The commission will carry out its mandate professionally and ensure all issues raised are thoroughly investigated,” the source said.
₦432 Billion Allegations
The investigation reportedly stems from the findings of a Kaduna State House of Assembly ad-hoc committee, which in 2024 recommended a probe into the handling of loans and state finances under El-Rufai’s administration. The committee alleged that the state accumulated substantial debt and that between ₦423 billion and ₦432 billion may have been mismanaged during the eight-year period.
The EFCC is said to be examining claims of diversion of public funds, irregular contract awards, and breaches of due process. Sources within the commission disclosed that investigators have been reviewing financial records and loan agreements linked to the previous administration for several months.
El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, earlier confirmed that the former governor honoured the EFCC’s invitation voluntarily and engaged in what he described as a “frank and fruitful” session with officials.
According to Adekeye, members of El-Rufai’s legal team observed that EFCC operatives conducted themselves professionally. The former governor, he said, remained at the commission’s facility after Monday’s interaction.
A member of his legal team is also said to have indicated that discussions were ongoing regarding bail, stressing that El-Rufai is not a flight risk and is willing to cooperate fully with the investigation.
The development has generated political reactions across party lines, with allies describing the probe as politically motivated, while critics insist that due process must take its course.
El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a prominent political figure, has yet to be formally charged in court as of press time. EFCC officials declined to state when he might be released or arraigned, noting that further action would depend on the progress and outcome of investigations.
The case marks one of the most high-profile anti-corruption probes involving a former state governor in recent months and is expected to test the EFCC’s resolve amid heightened public scrutiny.
