El-Rufai Detained 200 Days Amid Corruption Allegations

Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has been in detention for 200 days following his arrest on allegations of financial misconduct and unlawful interception of communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. His legal troubles stem from a Kaduna State House of Assembly report alleging mismanagement of ₦423 billion during his administration from 2015 to 2023, prompting investigations by anti-corruption agencies.

El-Rufai was invited for questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, 2026, and was subsequently detained. He alleged that Ribadu ordered his arrest, which was linked to intercepted communications.

After two days in EFCC custody, he was transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which filed a 10-count charge against him in April, including allegations of money laundering and receiving unlawful severance payments. El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to these charges.