EFCC probes El-Rufai over alleged N432bn misappropriation and cybercrime charges as legal battle with Federal Government intensifies

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is investigating former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over alleged misappropriation of N432 billion, as the Federal Government pursues separate criminal charges and the Department of State Services examines claims linked to national security.

Also read: Audu Maikori alleges abduction by ex-governor El-Rufai

Sources familiar with the development said the multi-agency scrutiny intensified in Abuja this week, with El-Rufai facing interrogation over financial dealings during his eight-year tenure as governor of Kaduna State.

At the centre of the EFCC probe is an allegation that N432 billion was mismanaged under El-Rufai’s administration.

The investigation follows a report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly which reportedly indicted the former governor over borrowing practices that significantly increased the state’s debt profile.

Investigators are also examining the award of contracts allegedly carried out without due process, as well as the suspected diversion of funds earmarked for the proposed Kaduna Light Rail project.

The EFCC probes El-Rufai development comes amid reports that the statutory 48-hour detention period permitted under Nigerian law is nearing expiration.

However, sources within the anti-graft agency indicated that legal steps are being taken to obtain a court order to extend detention pending further investigation.

El-Rufai’s legal team is understood to be seeking administrative bail, contesting any move to prolong custody without formal arraignment.

In a parallel move, the Federal Government of Nigeria has filed a three-count criminal charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026 against the former governor.

The charges reportedly stem from an interview in which El-Rufai allegedly admitted to intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024, prosecutors are said to be pursuing allegations of unlawful interception and the use of technical equipment in a manner that could compromise national security.

The unfolding case marks a dramatic turn for El-Rufai, once regarded as a key political strategist who supported President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general election.

Political observers say the coming weeks will be pivotal as courts determine whether the former governor will be formally arraigned or granted bail.