Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was detained on Monday night at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja after hours of interrogation regarding an alleged ₦432 billion corruption scandal.

El-Rufai, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is also facing potential criminal charges related to the alleged surveillance of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu‘s phone.

He arrived at the EFCC’s office around 10 a.m. after responding to an invitation and was questioned about allegations from a 2024 report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which claimed his administration misappropriated loans and violated due process in contract awards, contributing to significant state debt.

A senior EFCC official stated that the investigation has been ongoing for about a year. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed El-Rufai’s presence but did not comment on the details of the investigation.

El-Rufai’s detention marks an escalation in the legal challenges he faces, especially amid his recent criticisms of the Federal Government and security agencies.

The EFCC probe is based on the findings of an ad hoc committee that alleged misuse of ₦423 billion in loans during El-Rufai’s administration (2015-2023). The committee has recommended his prosecution along with several former cabinet members for abuse of office, contract violations, and money laundering, urging both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to pursue the case.