Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is currently under intense scrutiny as multiple federal investigations and legal challenges unfold against him.
The probes, involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and other federal authorities, span allegations ranging from financial impropriety to security-related offenses.
Sources say the former governor is cooperating fully with investigators, highlighting the seriousness and breadth of the ongoing inquiries.
According to insiders at the EFCC, El-Rufai remains at the commission’s Abuja headquarters, where he voluntarily appeared following an official invitation.
His media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed the appearance in a post on X, noting that the former governor had a “frank and fruitful” interaction with the EFCC officials.
Adekeye emphasized that the investigators were “entirely professional in their approach,” and that El-Rufai continues to comply with the commission’s directives.
EFCC sources have revealed that two major inquiries are ongoing.
The first pertains to alleged terrorism financing, while the second examines claims of financial misconduct during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.
The financial probe reportedly focuses on the administration’s handling of public funds and the use of loans secured by the state government, raising questions about accountability and adherence to due process.
The arrival of El-Rufai at EFCC headquarters drew significant attention from the public. Protesters gathered outside, some expressing support for the former governor while others demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations.
Tensions briefly flared when security personnel restricted access for individuals accompanying El-Rufai, underscoring the high-profile nature of the case.
Beyond the EFCC investigation, the federal government has moved through the DSS to file a three-count charge against El-Rufai.
These developments follow an earlier report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which had investigated financial activities during his administration.
The legislative panel alleged that more than ₦4 billion in state funds were improperly handled.
They further claimed that some loans acquired by the state were not deployed for their intended purposes and that certain approvals and procedures were not properly followed.
The Assembly recommended that Governor Uba Sani refer El-Rufai and other former officials to security and anti-corruption agencies for further investigation and potential prosecution.
These recommendations appear to have laid the groundwork for the federal-level probes currently underway.
In addition to financial allegations, DSS operatives have reportedly seized El-Rufai’s passport.
Officials explained that this measure is intended to prevent him from leaving the country while authorities broaden investigations into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, also known as Dadiyata.
Idris was abducted from his residence in Kaduna after publicly criticizing El-Rufai’s administration.
In a prior interview on ARISE Television, El-Rufai referenced a police confession, noting that officers allegedly dispatched from Kano were responsible for the abduction.
He maintained that the Kaduna State Government had no involvement in the case and that inquiries should focus on Kano State authorities.
The investigations also extend to alleged wiretapping and surveillance.
Federal authorities are reportedly examining claims that El-Rufai illegally intercepted communications involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Charges filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 allege that these actions compromised public safety and breached legal provisions governing digital communications.
Prosecutors cite statements made by the former governor during media appearances that suggest he admitted to listening to intercepted communications.
The combined weight of these inquiries places El-Rufai under intense legal and political pressure.
His aides continue to assert his cooperation with authorities, while federal agencies indicate that they are meticulously pursuing every allegation.
The overlapping investigations—covering terrorism financing, alleged financial misconduct, unlawful interception of communications, and involvement in unresolved abduction cases—highlight the broad and complex nature of the scrutiny he faces.
