The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is keeping former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in custody as detectives intensify investigations into alleged mismanagement of about ₦423–₦432 billion during his eight-year tenure. El-Rufai, who honoured an invitation at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, arrived on Monday morning and has now spent at least two nights in detention while answering questions on loans, contracts and financial transactions executed between 2015 and 2023.
Sources at the commission said investigators are scrutinising reports of a Kaduna State House of Assembly ad hoc committee, which accused the former governor and some of his aides of abuse of office, contract inflation, money laundering and diversion of public funds. The panel had alleged that huge loans obtained in the name of the state were either misapplied or not properly accounted for and recommended that El-Rufai, commissioners of finance and accountants general during the period be referred to anti graft agencies for prosecution.
Officials hinted that the EFCC may approach a court for a formal remand order to lawfully extend El-Rufai’s stay in custody beyond the initial hours permitted by law, to enable them complete key interrogation sessions. His lawyer, A.U. Mustapha (SAN), confirmed that the former governor remains in EFCC custody but insists his client has cooperated fully with investigators while pushing for bail.
The high profile probe has already sparked protests and counter protests at the EFCC headquarters, with some groups accusing the Federal Government of political persecution and others demanding that no “sacred cows” be spared in the corruption fight. Civil society coalitions such as Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance and the Northern Christians Accord had previously pressured the EFCC to act on the Assembly report, issuing ultimatums for El-Rufai’s arrest and prosecution over the alleged misuse of over ₦423 billion.
As the investigation widens, several former aides of the ex governor are also reportedly being questioned or held by anti graft agencies, while the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is expected to interrogate him as part of a parallel probe. The outcome of the EFCC’s ongoing inquiries and any eventual charges are likely to test the government’s commitment to accountability and could have major political implications in Kaduna and at the national level.
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