EFCC quizzes El-Rufai over alleged N432bn fraud, FG files fresh charges

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is currently being questioned by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over allegations of financial misconduct estimated at about N432 billion.
Sources within the anti-graft agency disclosed that the former governor reported to the EFCC headquarters where investigators commenced interrogation regarding loans secured during his administration. The loans were earlier flagged by an ad-hoc committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which alleged that some of the funds were either mismanaged or utilised without due process. El-Rufai has repeatedly denied the accusations, describing them as politically motivated.
Federal Government files new charges
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has filed a three-count charge against the former governor, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The development marks a fresh legal twist in the growing controversy surrounding the former governor.
An EFCC official confirmed that El-Rufai remains with investigators, adding that it was uncertain how long the questioning session would last.
“He is currently with our investigators, but it is too early to determine how long he will be here,” the source said.
Supporters clash at EFCC office
Tension reportedly escalated outside the EFCC premises as supporters and opponents of the former governor gathered in large numbers. Eyewitnesses said security operatives fired teargas to disperse the crowd after clashes broke out, leaving several people—including women and children—struggling to escape the fumes.
The incident added to the already charged atmosphere surrounding the investigation, which has drawn nationwide attention.
Background to the probe
The investigation stems from allegations that loans obtained by the Kaduna State Government during El-Rufai’s tenure were improperly handled. Lawmakers had earlier accused the administration of breaching financial regulations, claims the former governor insists are baseless.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the EFCC nor El-Rufai’s media team had issued an official statement on whether he would be granted administrative bail or remain in custody overnight.