Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai walked out of the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, but did not regain his freedom for long.
Moments after his release, operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) took him into custody, according to sources familiar with the development.
El-Rufai had arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 10 a.m. on Monday for questioning and remained there for two days. An EFCC source confirmed his release Wednesday, adding that ICPC officials “picked him up shortly after.”
As of late Wednesday, the ICPC had not issued an official statement. Calls to its spokesperson went unanswered. El-Rufai’s lawyer declined immediate comment, saying discussions would continue later, while attempts to reach his media aide were unsuccessful.
The back-to-back actions by two major anti-corruption agencies follow fresh criminal charges filed by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Prosecutors allege that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted phone communications belonging to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents indicate the charges stem from remarks El-Rufai made during a February 13 appearance on Arise TV, where he suggested that he and unnamed associates had access to intercepted conversations. The three-count charge cites violations under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. Authorities allege unlawful interception and failure to report knowledge of such activity, including the use of technical equipment in Abuja this year.
Separately, Nigeria’s Department of State Services has reportedly revived its investigation into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, known as Dadiyata, who was abducted in Kaduna and has not been found. Security sources say El-Rufai’s passport was recently seized to restrict foreign travel, and investigators are examining online activity linked to his family.
El-Rufai has not publicly addressed the latest developments.
The unfolding events represent a sharp escalation in legal pressure on one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures, as multiple agencies pursue overlapping investigations.
