The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission detained Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, overnight on Monday, February 16, 2026. Sources close to the investigation informed multiple media outlets, including TheCable, about the development.
Nasir El-Rufai voluntarily presented himself at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja’s Jabi area around 10:00 a.m. on Monday. He responded to an invitation from the agency, which investigators had issued earlier. His media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed the appearance and described the interaction as frank and professional.
EFCC investigators questioned Nasir El-Rufai about alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023. The probe stemmed from a 2024 report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The report accused his administration of misappropriating loans, violating due process in contract awards, and accumulating heavy state debt, with figures cited around N423 billion to N432 billion in alleged misappropriated funds.
Sources within the EFCC stated that Nasir El-Rufai remained in custody as questioning continued into the night. One source confirmed, “He is in our custody, and he is going to spend the night there.” Authorities did not release him on Monday.
A source indicated that investigators might release Nasir El-Rufai after further interrogation on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The decision depended on the progress of the investigations. The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, acknowledged that the former governor honored the invitation but provided no additional details on the interrogation or next steps.
Separately, the Department of State Services filed a three-count criminal charge against Nasir El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges related to alleged cybercrimes, including unlawful interception of communications involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. This filing occurred amid the EFCC proceedings.
Supporters and critics of Nasir El-Rufai gathered outside the EFCC complex on Monday. Security operatives used tear gas to disperse some protesters. The gatherings reflected tensions surrounding the invitation and ongoing probes into his administration. Nasir El-Rufai, now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, faced these developments following his time in office.
