Nasir El‑Rufai, the ex-governor of Kaduna State and erstwhile federal minister, has spent a second consecutive night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as investigations deepen into an alleged ₦432 billion fraud related to his administration.
El-Rufai voluntarily reported to the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday morning in response to an invitation from the anti-graft agency.
However, hours of questioning have extended beyond the statutory 48-hour window that suspects can legally be held without a court order, raising the likelihood that investigators will seek a remand order to continue his detention.
Probe linked to Kaduna assembly report
According to EFCC officials, the probe stems from allegations detailed in a 2024 report by an ad hoc committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
That report accused El-Rufai’s administration of questionable financial conduct, including mismanaged loans, contract irregularities, and misuse of public funds accumulated during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
The EFCC has not publicly disclosed the evidence it believes supports the alleged ₦432 billion fraud claims.
A spokesperson for the commission confirmed that Nasir El‑Rufai honoured the invitation and is cooperating with investigators, though no decision has been made regarding his release.
Legal team calls for bail for Nasir El‑Rufai
El-Rufai’s lawyer, Senior Advocate A.U. Mustapha (SAN), said the former governor has cooperated fully with EFCC officials and is hopeful that the anti-graft agency will consider admitting him to bail, noting that El-Rufai is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Political and security context
The ongoing detention comes amid heightened scrutiny from both supporters and critics. Earlier this month, security operatives reportedly attempted to detain El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after he returned to Nigeria, a move his legal team described as a violation of constitutional rights.
Complicating matters further, the Department of State Services has separately filed a three-count criminal complaint against El-Rufai, alleging unlawful interception of telephone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, a case now before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Public reaction and next steps
Scenes outside the EFCC headquarters have been charged, with both supporters and detractors of El-Rufai gathering in solidarity or protest as the investigation unfolds. Analysts say the high-profile nature of the case underscores growing public demand for accountability among political elites.
As of Tuesday night, El-Rufai remains in EFCC custody while investigators assess whether to request a remand from the Federal High Court to complete their inquiries.
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