EFCC Grills El-Rufai as DSS Files Criminal Charges

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday grilled former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over alleged corruption linked to his eight-year administration.

El-Rufai arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, at about 11:00 a.m. in response to an official invitation from the anti-graft agency. He was immediately taken in for questioning by investigators.

The former governor was accompanied by a large crowd of supporters to the commission’s office along Off Airport Road. An unofficial but credible source within the agency confirmed that he was undergoing interrogation but declined to disclose the duration of the exercise.

“He is currently with our investigators,” the source said.

Another official hinted that the former governor could be arraigned in court depending on the outcome of the interrogation, which may last several hours or extend over days.

The EFCC’s action is reportedly tied to corruption allegations arising from El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.

The development follows reports that El-Rufai recently resisted an attempt by security operatives to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. In subsequent media interviews, he accused the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, of being behind the attempted arrest.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a separate three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.

According to court documents, the charge stems from statements allegedly made by the former governor during a live interview on Prime Time Programme aired on February 13, 2026. In the interview, he reportedly admitted that he and certain associates unlawfully intercepted private communications belonging to Ribadu.

The Federal Government contends that the alleged actions amount to a grave violation of Nigeria’s cybercrime and communications laws, posing a threat to national security and public safety.

The DSS further alleged that El-Rufai admitted knowing those responsible for the interception but failed to report them to the appropriate security authorities.

The charges were filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

As of press time, El-Rufai’s legal team had yet to issue an official statement on the allegations.