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Detained Ex-Governor El-Rufai
The detained former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has spent his second night at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, amidst indications that his ordeal may just be beginning.
El-Rufai, who presented himself for questioning over corruption allegations on Monday, at the EFCC headquarters Abuja, was held in custody by the anti-graft agency interrogators.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former governor was being grilled over alleged fraud during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.
A source from the EFCC told NAN that the agency would be diligent in its investigation over the allegations levelled against the former governor.
“I can assure you that EFCC will do its job professionally by attending to all issues raised against him,” the source said.
The source, who could not confirm when he would be released or charged to court, said that depended on the progress of investigations.
However, it was reliably gathered from multiple sources within the commission that the EFCC is making frantic legal moves to secure a court order to detain El-Rufai indefinitely.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai’s legal team is reportedly working around the clock to counter the EFCC’s plans and secure his administrative bail.
“El-Rufai will likely get the treatment of the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami,” a source familiar with the development told Daily Sun.
“The mandatory 48 hours expires on Wednesday, but the EFCC is not ready to let him go. The cases against him are too grave, and besides the financial crimes, the DSS is handling a separate matter involving national security.”
Compounding his woes, the Federal Government has filed a three-count criminal charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026) against the former governor. The charges stem from an interview where El-Rufai allegedly admitted to intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
Under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024, El-Rufai stands accused of “unlawful interception” and using technical equipment to compromise national security. (Adapted from reports by NAN and The Sun)
