El-Rufai Detained Overnight by EFCC in N432bn Corruption Investigation
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was detained overnight by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on Monday, February 12, 2026, following extensive interrogation related to an alleged N432 billion corruption probe. El-Rufai, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress, arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi around 10 am after honoring an invitation from the anti-graft agency.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that El-Rufai complied with the commission's request but remained in custody as investigations progressed. Oyewale declined to provide details on the interrogation or outline the next steps in the process.
Background of the Corruption Allegations
The EFCC investigation stems from a 2024 report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which accused El-Rufai's administration of financial misconduct during his tenure from 2015 to 2023. The report, presented by committee chairman Henry Zacharia, alleged that several loans obtained by the state were misapplied or diverted, with Speaker Yusuf Dahiru Leman claiming approximately N423 billion was siphoned, leaving Kaduna with a significant debt burden.
Lawmakers recommended criminal investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai and some aides for alleged abuse of office, contract violations, diversion of funds, money laundering, and reckless borrowing. Specific allegations include disputed payments and contracts exceeding N155 million, the alleged diversion of N1.37 billion intended for a light rail project, and suspected money laundering of N64.8 million by senior officials.
El-Rufai has consistently denied these allegations, asserting they are politically motivated and that all loans were lawfully approved and used for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security projects.
Federal Government Files Cybercrime Charges
In a parallel development, the Federal Government filed criminal charges against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja for alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The three-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, was filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
Prosecutors alleged that during a television interview on ARISE TV on February 13, 2026, El-Rufai admitted to intercepting Ribadu's phone calls. One count stated that El-Rufai "did admit during the interview that you and your cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu." No date has been set for his arraignment as of press time.
Security and Political Reactions
El-Rufai's television comments, where he claimed awareness of arrest plans through leaked NSA phone conversations, sparked strong reactions. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga accused El-Rufai of attempting to inflame tensions and distract from corruption allegations, describing the remarks as an effort to "create political tension in the country."
Additionally, the Department of State Services (DSS) reopened investigations into the 2019 disappearance of government critic Abubakar Idris, known as Dadiyata. Security sources indicated that El-Rufai and his sons are being probed in connection with the case, with the former governor's passport reportedly seized at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to prevent foreign travel.
El-Rufai has denied any involvement in Dadiyata's disappearance, stating he did not know him personally and had no motive to target him. The office of the national security adviser has directed El-Rufai to submit evidence regarding alleged procurement of thallium sulphate to the DSS for further investigation.
