EFCC detains El-Rufai over alleged ₦432bn fraud probe

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been detained at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja following hours of interrogation over an alleged ₦432 billion corruption probe.

El-Rufai reportedly arrived at the commission’s Jabi office around 10am after honouring an invitation linked to findings contained in the 2024 report of the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

According to report obtained from Kemi Filani News, the probe centres on alleged misappropriation of loans, violations of due process in contract awards, and claims that Kaduna State was left with significant debt during his administration.

He is also expected to face questions over allegations that he authorised the bugging of the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

A senior EFCC source disclosed that the anti-graft agency had been investigating the former governor for about a year before inviting him for questioning.

“The commission has been investigating him for about a year now. As a commission, we don’t just rush to invite suspects. Persons accused are always the last; that is after we might have done our investigation to an advanced stage. We are investigating him on the allegations against him by the Kaduna State Assembly,” the source said.

When asked late Monday night whether El-Rufai would be released, the source responded, “He is still in our custody and wouldn’t be released today.”

Meanwhile, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that El-Rufai honoured the invitation but declined to provide further details regarding the interrogation or possible next steps.

As of the time of filing this report, El-Rufai remains in EFCC custody. More details are expected as the investigation continues.