EFCC Detains Former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai Over Alleged N432 Billion Fraud
Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for questioning over allegations of N432 billion in diverted public funds and money laundering during his tenure.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detained former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai at its Abuja headquarters on Monday night, escalating a long-running investigation into alleged financial improprieties totalling N432 billion (approximately $270 million at current exchange rates) during his eight-year administration from 2015 to 2023.
The detention marks a significant development in Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts, targeting one of the country's most prominent political figures who served under President Muhammadu Buhari's administration. El-Rufai faces potential charges related to diversion of public funds, money laundering, and cybercrime offences that carry a maximum two-year jail sentence under Nigerian law.
Legislative Accusations Trigger Federal Investigation
The EFCC action follows formal accusations from the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which conducted an investigative probe into financial management under the El-Rufai administration. According to Peoples Gazette, "Kaduna lawmakers had accused Mr El-Rufai of diverting public funds to the tune of N432 billion." The state assembly's findings, submitted to federal authorities in 2024, alleged systematic misappropriation of state resources through inflated contracts, unaccounted loans, and irregular payments.
The N432 billion figure represents approximately 65% of Kaduna State's total internally generated revenue and federal allocations during El-Rufai's tenure, according to data from Nigeria's National Bureau of Statistics. The alleged fraud encompasses multiple financial instruments, including state bonds issued for infrastructure projects, World Bank-funded programmes, and proceeds from privatisation of state assets.
Business Day reported that El-Rufai "was on Monday night detained at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission," confirming the former governor's presence at the anti-graft agency's Jabi facility in Abuja. Sources familiar with the investigation indicated that EFCC operatives have been examining financial records, contract documents, and banking transactions linked to the former administration since late 2024.
Cybercrime Charges Add Complexity to Case
Beyond traditional corruption allegations, El-Rufai faces potential prosecution under Nigeria's Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act of 2015, which criminalises electronic fraud and computer-related financial crimes. The cybercrime angle relates to alleged manipulation of electronic payment platforms and digital falsification of procurement records during his governorship.
The maximum two-year sentence for cybercrime offences under Section 14 of the Act represents the minimum potential penalty, as money laundering charges under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act carry sentences of up to 14 years imprisonment. Legal analysts note that prosecutors typically pursue multiple charges simultaneously to strengthen cases against high-profile defendants in Nigeria's often protracted judicial system.
El-Rufai's detention comes amid heightened scrutiny of former state governors across Nigeria. The EFCC has intensified investigations into ex-governors following President Bola Tinubu's directive in 2023 to recover stolen public assets and prosecute corrupt officials. Data from the EFCC shows that 12 former governors are currently under investigation or facing trial for corruption-related offences, with combined allegations exceeding N2 trillion.
Political and Economic Implications
The former governor's legal troubles carry significant political ramifications for Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), where El-Rufai remains an influential figure. His tenure in Kaduna was marked by controversial reforms including mass retrenchment of civil servants, demolition of informal settlements, and confrontational relationships with labour unions and religious groups.
Financial analysts note that the N432 billion allegedly diverted could have funded critical infrastructure in one of Nigeria's most economically important states. Kaduna's debt profile increased from N12 billion in 2015 to approximately N120 billion by 2023, according to the Debt Management Office, raising questions about the correlation between borrowing and actual project delivery.
The EFCC has not publicly disclosed the duration of El-Rufai's detention or whether formal charges will be filed. Under Nigerian law, suspects can be held for up to 48 hours without charge, after which investigators must seek court authorisation for extended detention. Legal representatives for the former governor have not issued public statements regarding the detention.
This case will test Nigeria's anti-corruption framework and judicial independence, particularly given El-Rufai's political connections and legal resources. The outcome could influence public confidence in accountability mechanisms and set precedents for prosecuting high-ranking officials accused of grand corruption in Africa's largest economy.