Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday following interrogation over an alleged ₦432 billion financial scandal.
El-Rufai reportedly honoured an invitation from the anti-graft agency and arrived at its Abuja office earlier in the day. After several hours of questioning, he was detained as investigations into the alleged financial dealings of his administration intensified.
The probe stems from allegations that huge loans secured during his tenure were either misapplied or not properly accounted for. Lawmakers in Kaduna had earlier accused the former governor’s administration of breaching due process in contract awards and leaving behind a heavy debt burden.
Investigators are said to be examining financial records, loan agreements and project allocations tied to the eight years he served as governor. The commission is also reviewing findings from a state assembly report that raised concerns over how public funds were handled.
Sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that security presence around the commission’s headquarters was reinforced amid growing public interest in the case. Some supporters and critics of the former governor reportedly gathered in Abuja following news of his detention.
El-Rufai has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that decisions taken during his administration were in the best interest of Kaduna State and complied with existing laws.
As of press time, no formal charge had been announced, but officials indicated that investigations were ongoing and further action would depend on findings from the ongoing review of financial documents and testimonies.