By SUMAYYAH ADEFAKA
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, spent his second consecutive night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, as his legal team, led by A.U Mustapha (SAN), pressed for his release on bail.
Sources indicate that the anti-graft agency may seek a remand order to extend his detention, allowing investigators additional time to question him regarding an alleged N432bn corruption case.
El-Rufai arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday morning to respond to the allegations. An EFCC official, who requested anonymity, emphasized that the former governor remains in custody, contrary to circulating social media claims of his release.
“He is very much with us and will remain so because investigators are considering obtaining a remand order after the expiration of the 48 hours allowed by law. They need time to question him regarding his eight-year tenure as governor,” the source said.
Speaking to journalists, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Mustapha, confirmed his client’s cooperation with the commission and insisted that he is not a flight risk if granted bail.
“He honoured the invitation, is cooperating fully, and we hope the EFCC will exercise discretion to grant him bail. El-Rufai is a responsible citizen and presumed innocent until proven otherwise,” Mustapha stated.
Mustapha declined to comment on the specific allegations, noting that such details could only be provided by the EFCC.
The investigation stems from a 2024 ad hoc committee report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which reviewed finances, loans, and contracts between 2015 and 2023.
The committee alleged that roughly N423bn in loans was improperly managed and recommended prosecution of El-Rufai and some former cabinet members for diversion of public funds, abuse of office, money laundering, and reckless borrowing. El-Rufai has denied the allegations, describing the probe as politically motivated.
Separately, the Department of State Services (DSS) has filed criminal charges against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court, Abuja, accusing him of unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The three-count charge, filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, also references the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
According to the charge sheet, El-Rufai allegedly admitted during a February 13 appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme that he and associates intercepted Ribadu’s communications, an offence punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act. He has yet to be arraigned.
