EFCC detains El-Rufai Over alleged N432bn DSS on standby

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

According to reports, El-Rufai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, is also expected to face criminal prosecution over the alleged bugging of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu’s phone.

El-Rufai Grilled by EFCC Over 2024 Kaduna Probe Allegations

Sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that El-Rufai arrived at the EFCC in response to an invitation and faced grilling over allegations from the 2024 report.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has accused his administration of misappropriating loans, violating due process in contract awards and plunging the state into heavy debt.

“He has been under investigation for about a year now under the commission.

As a commission, we don’t just rush to invite suspects.

“We always invite the accused person last.”

That is after we might have done our investigation to a certain stage.”

“We are investigating him on the allegations against him by the Kaduna State Assembly,” EFCC source reveals.

A concerns Party ask, would El-Rufai regain his freedom, the source responded bluntly.

“We still hold him in custody. We won’t release him today (Monday).”

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that El-Rufai honoured EFCC invitation but declined further comments on the nature of the interrogation or the next line of action.

The detention marks a serious escalation in the legal troubles confronting the outspoken former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

His recent public criticism of the Federal Government and security agencies has triggered fresh political tensions.

Alleged N423bn misappropriation

EFCC Interrogation Stems from 2024 Kaduna Assembly Probe into El-Rufai’s 2015-2023 Finances, Loans, Contracts

Committee Chair Zacharia: El-Rufai’s 8-Year Loans Mostly Unused for Intended Purposes, Per 2025 Report

At the point of the report, Yusuf Dahiru Leman, the Speaker of the House, has alleged that about N423bn was embazlled under the El-Rufai administration.

The fraud has reduced Kaduna State with heavy financial liabilities and a rising debt profile.

The committee also recommended the investigation and prosecution of the members of the former governor’s cabinet over abuse of office allegation.

Award of contracts without due process, diversion of public funds, money laundering and reckless borrowing.

Kaduna Assembly Petitions EFCC, ICPC Over Probe Findings

Kaduna Assembly Endorses Petition to EFCC, ICPC, Urging Probe into El-Rufai’s N432bn Allegations

Beyond the N423bn allegation headline, the legislative report also referenced disputed cash payments and contracts amounting to over N155m.

As well as the alleged diversion of N1.37bn earmarked for a light rail project.

It also cited the purported laundering of N64.8m by senior aides.

El-Rufai Denies Allegations: Probe Politically Motivated, Loans Fully Used for Infra, Education, Health, Security

However, Monday’s detention suggests that anti-graft agencies have moved beyond preliminary review to active interrogation.

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