El-Rufai Remains in EFCC Custody Amid Corruption Probe

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, spent his second night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday as investigations into allegations of ₦432 billion in corruption deepen. His lawyer, U. Mustapha, has requested bail, arguing that El-Rufai is a responsible citizen and a flight risk is not present.

The EFCC is seeking a remand order to extend El-Rufai's custody to facilitate further questioning related to the allegations. The investigation is linked to a report from an ad hoc committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which claims that El-Rufai's administration mismanaged loans and public funds between 2015 and 2023.

The committee has recommended further investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai and his former cabinet members. Separately, criminal charges have been filed against El-Rufai in a Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly unlawfully intercepting communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.