- El Rufai Remains in EFCC Custody as DSS Files Fresh Charges.
- DSS files phone interception charges in court.
- ICPC invitation uncertain amid continued detention.
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has remained in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for a third consecutive day over allegations of large scale corruption and embezzlement during his eight year tenure.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the former governor is being investigated for allegedly misappropriating more than ₦433 billion between 2015 and 2023. Sources familiar with the matter said he was initially granted administrative bail on the condition that a Permanent Secretary and a Director in a Federal Ministry stand as sureties.
However, the arrangement reportedly stalled after the Permanent Secretary arrived at the commission’s office to complete the bail process. The source alleged that the anti graft agency hesitated and later declined to proceed, while the proposed surety subsequently withdrew after allegedly receiving threats. The commission has not issued an official statement.
El Rufai is also expected to appear before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over separate allegations. It remains unclear whether he will honour the invitation due to his continued detention. His legal team has reportedly notified the commission of the situation.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services has filed charges against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The charge marked FHC CR 99 2026 alleges that El Rufai made incriminating admissions during a February 13, 2026 interview on Arise TV Prime Time.
The three count charge cites provisions of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, accusing him of unlawful interception and failure to report individuals allegedly involved.
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