N432bn Probe: EFCC Detains El-Rufai

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

El-Rufai, a senior figure in the African Democratic Congress, is also expected to face criminal prosecution linked to the alleged bugging of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu’s phone.

Multiple sources within the EFCC confirmed that El-Rufai, who arrived at the commission’s Jabi headquarters around 10 a.m. in response to an invitation, was grilled over allegations stemming from the 2024 Kaduna State House of Assembly report. The report accused his administration of misappropriating loans, violating due process in contract awards, and significantly increasing the state’s debt burden.

A senior EFCC source stated, “As a commission, we do not rush to invite suspects. Investigations are conducted to an advanced stage before summoning individuals. He is being investigated based on allegations against him by the Kaduna State Assembly.” When asked about the former governor’s release, the source confirmed, “He is still in our custody and will not be released today.”

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed El-Rufai’s appearance but declined to provide further details on the interrogation or the commission’s next steps.

The detention represents a significant escalation in the legal challenges facing El-Rufai, whose recent criticism of the Federal Government and security agencies has intensified political tensions.

Alleged N423bn Misappropriation

The EFCC probe is grounded in the 2024 report of the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s ad hoc committee, which investigated finances, loans, and contracts between 2015 and 2023. Presenting the findings, committee chairman Henry Zacharia alleged that many loans secured under El-Rufai’s administration were not used for their intended purposes.

Speaker Yusuf Dahiru Leman further alleged that approximately N423 billion was misappropriated, leaving the state with heavy financial liabilities and escalating debt. The committee recommended the prosecution of El-Rufai and key members of his cabinet over abuse of office, irregular contract awards, diversion of public funds, money laundering, and reckless borrowing.

The Assembly endorsed a petition urging both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter.

In addition to the N423 billion figure, the report cited disputed cash payments and contracts totaling over N155 million, the alleged diversion of N1.37 billion earmarked for a light rail project, and the purported laundering of N64.8 million by senior aides.

El-Rufai has consistently denied all allegations, describing the probe as politically motivated. He maintains that all loans obtained during his tenure were properly appropriated and applied toward infrastructural development, education reforms, healthcare upgrades, and security initiatives.

Source: Punch