EFCC Faces Legal Scrutiny as Anti-Corruption Drive Intensifies Under New Leadership
Nigeria's anti-corruption agency detains former Kaduna governor El-Rufai for questioning while courts challenge the commission's investigative methods, highlighting tensions in the country's fight against financial crimes.
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Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its pursuit of high-profile corruption cases, detaining former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai after he responded to an invitation for interrogation, while simultaneously defending its investigative procedures in court against allegations of rights violations.
The EFCC detained El-Rufai following his voluntary appearance at the commission's headquarters in response to an invitation initially issued in December 2025, according to Premium Times. The investigation centres on allegations that El-Rufai misappropriated public funds during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. The detention marks a significant escalation in the commission's probe of the former governor, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and gained a reputation as a vocal critic of corruption.
The move against El-Rufai comes amid broader EFCC operations targeting former state governors and their associates. The commission is simultaneously prosecuting Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, in a N10 billion money laundering trial. During court proceedings, an EFCC investigator denied allegations that statements were obtained from Ali Bello and his co-defendants under duress, Premium Times reported. The defence's challenge to the admissibility of evidence reflects growing scrutiny of the commission's investigative methods.
Judicial oversight of EFCC operations has produced mixed outcomes for the anti-corruption agency. The Federal High Court in Lagos delivered a rebuke to the commission when Justice Dehinde Dipeolu declared unlawful the EFCC's publication of Mr Ufoma Immanuel as a "wanted" person in November 2025, according to The Nation Newspaper. The ruling underscores judicial concerns about the commission's public naming practices and their potential impact on individuals' reputations before formal charges are filed.
These developments unfold as Nigeria's judiciary undergoes expansion to handle the country's growing caseload. Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is set to swear in 14 new Federal High Court judges following recommendations by the National Judicial Council (NJC) at its 110th meeting held on 13 and 14 January, Premium Times reported. The appointments aim to strengthen the capacity of federal courts, which handle corruption cases and other matters of national significance.
The EFCC's aggressive posture under its current leadership reflects President Bola Tinubu's stated commitment to combating corruption, particularly among former state governors who have historically enjoyed political protection. However, the commission's methods face increasing legal challenges that could set precedents for how anti-corruption investigations are conducted. The detention of El-Rufai, a prominent figure within Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), signals that political connections may no longer shield officials from scrutiny.
Legal experts note that the outcome of these cases will test Nigeria's anti-corruption framework and the independence of its institutions. The country ranks 145 out of 180 on Transparency International's 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, reflecting persistent challenges in governance despite decades of anti-corruption initiatives. The EFCC, established in 2003, has secured numerous convictions but critics argue that prosecutions often target political opponents while powerful figures escape accountability.
The commission's simultaneous battles in multiple courtrooms highlight the delicate balance between aggressive prosecution and respect for due process. While the detention of El-Rufai demonstrates the EFCC's willingness to pursue high-profile targets, court rulings against the agency's public naming practices and challenges to its evidence-gathering methods suggest that judicial oversight remains robust. These tensions will likely shape the trajectory of Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts as the country approaches the 2027 general elections, when corruption allegations typically intensify as political tools.
As investigations proceed, the expansion of the Federal High Court bench may help reduce case backlogs that have historically delayed corruption trials. The appointment of 14 new judges represents a 15 percent increase in the court's capacity, potentially accelerating the resolution of pending cases and improving access to justice. Whether this judicial reinforcement translates into more effective prosecution of corruption cases remains to be seen, but it signals institutional recognition of the need for stronger legal infrastructure to support anti-corruption initiatives.