EFCC Extends El-Rufai’s Detention Over N432bn Probe
Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has spent a second night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N432 billion corruption probe.
El-Rufai arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday around 10 a.m. for questioning. However, he was detained as investigators continued their interrogation.
Sources within the commission indicated that the anti-graft agency may seek a remand order to extend his stay beyond the 48 hours allowed by law. The move, according to an official who requested anonymity, would enable investigators to conclude questioning related to his eight years in office as governor of Kaduna State.
“Forget the speculations that he has been released. He is still with us and may remain so pending a remand order,” the source said.
Meanwhile, his lawyer, A.U. Mustapha (SAN), confirmed that the former governor remains in custody. He maintained that his client had honoured the EFCC’s invitation and was cooperating fully with investigators.
“As a responsible citizen, he honoured the invitation. He is cooperating to the best of his capacity,” Mustapha said. He added that El-Rufai is not a flight risk and should be granted bail, noting that he returned to Nigeria voluntarily to appear before the commission.
When asked about the specific allegations, Mustapha declined to comment. He said only the EFCC could provide details of the accusations. He also described the interrogation process as confidential.
The probe follows the report of an ad hoc committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The committee establishedt up in 2024reviewmine finances, loans, and contracts awarded between 2015 and 2023 during El-Rufai’s administration.
