Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was detained on Monday night at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja after hours of interrogation over an alleged N432 billion corruption probe.

Multiple sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that El-Rufai, who arrived at the commission’s Jabi office around 10am in response to an invitation, was questioned over allegations stemming from a 2024 report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The report accused his administration of misappropriating loans, breaching due process in contract awards, and plunging the state into heavy debt between 2015 and 2023.

A senior EFCC official disclosed that investigations into the former governor had been ongoing for nearly a year and had reached an advanced stage before he was invited for questioning. As of late Monday, he remained in custody.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that El-Rufai honoured the commission’s invitation but declined further details.

Alleged N423bn Misappropriation

The probe is anchored on findings presented by an ad hoc committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly in 2024. The committee alleged that most loans secured during El-Rufai’s tenure were not utilised for their intended purposes.

The Speaker of the House, Yusuf Dahiru Leman, had claimed that about N423bn was siphoned, recommending investigation and prosecution of the former governor and some members of his cabinet over alleged abuse of office, diversion of funds, money laundering and reckless borrowing.

El-Rufai has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and insisting that loans obtained under his administration were lawfully applied to infrastructure, education, healthcare and security projects.

Fresh Charges Over Ribadu’s Phone

In a parallel development, the Federal Government filed criminal charges against El-Rufai before the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The three-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, alleges that El-Rufai admitted during a television interview that he and associates unlawfully intercepted Ribadu’s communications, contrary to provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

No date has been fixed for his arraignment.

DSS Reopens Dadiyata Case

The Department of State Services has also reportedly reopened investigations into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata. Security sources indicated that El-Rufai and his sons may be questioned as part of the renewed probe.

According to sources, his passport was recently seized at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to restrict foreign travel while investigations continue.

Protests and Political Reactions

Monday’s developments sparked protests in Abuja and Kaduna, with demonstrators both demanding accountability and expressing solidarity with the former governor.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu publicly praised Ribadu during a visit to Adamawa State, describing him as committed and courageous in tackling insecurity.

The unfolding events mark one of the most significant legal and political confrontations involving a former governor in recent years. With EFCC detention, criminal charges, DSS investigations and mounting political tension, El-Rufai’s legal battle is set to test the boundaries between prosecution and alleged political persecution.

As of press time, he remains in EFCC custody.