Secret police take custody of former Kaduna governor over 'national security' cybercrime charges as N432bn corruption probe continues
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai's legal ordeal escalated dramatically Wednesday night when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) took him into custody immediately after his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), multiple sources have confirmed .
The handover, which occurred at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, marks the latest twist in a multi-front legal offensive against the outspoken opposition politician, who now faces parallel investigations for alleged corruption, cybercrime, and national security breaches.
From EFCC to DSS
El-Rufai had spent two nights in EFCC custody after voluntarily presenting himself Monday for questioning over alleged financial improprieties during his eight-year tenure as Kaduna governor from 2015 to 2023 . He was granted bail around 8 p.m. Wednesday, but as he prepared to leave, DSS operatives who had laid in wait took him into custody .
Sources said during his EFCC interrogation, investigators made several attempts to obtain a written statement from the former governor, but he repeatedly declined to provide one . The anti-graft agency had been probing the case for approximately a year before issuing its invitation .
A Separate Security Matter
A senior security official told TheCable that the DSS action is unrelated to the EFCC's corruption investigation and stems from an "escalating security matter" .
The secret police have filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu . The charges, filed under the Cybercrimes Act and the Nigerian Communications Act, stem from statements El-Rufai made during a February 13 appearance on Arise Television's Prime Time programme .
Count one alleges that El-Rufai admitted that he and unnamed associates unlawfully intercepted Ribadu's communications . Count two accuses him of failing to report individuals involved in the interception to relevant security agencies . Count three alleges that he and others used technical equipment that compromised public safety and national security .
The Corruption Allegations
The EFCC probe, meanwhile, centers on a damning 2024 report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly's ad hoc committee, which investigated finances, loans, and contracts awarded during El-Rufai's administration . The committee, chaired by Henry Zacharia, alleged that most loans obtained during the eight-year period were not utilized for their intended purposes .
Speaker Yusuf Dahiru Leman claimed approximately N423 billion was allegedly siphoned under El-Rufai's watch, leaving Kaduna State with heavy financial liabilities . The legislative report also referenced disputed cash payments and contracts exceeding N155 million, alleged diversion of N1.37 billion earmarked for a light rail project, and purported laundering of N64.8 million by senior aides .
EFCC sources indicated investigators are also examining statements from former Commissioners for Finance who served under El-Rufai, with the agency seeking a remand order to extend detention beyond the statutory 48-hour period .
ICPC Summons Pending
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has also summoned El-Rufai for questioning over the N1.3 billion Kaduna light rail project, adding another layer to his legal challenges .
Political Fallout
El-Rufai, who left the All Progressives Congress in 2025 for the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), has consistently denied all allegations, describing the probes as politically motivated . He maintains that loans obtained under his administration were duly appropriated and deployed to infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security projects .
His detention by the DSS on national security grounds represents a significant escalation in the confrontation between the former governor and the Tinubu administration. As he now awaits formal arraignment on cybercrime charges while still facing the prospect of renewed EFCC detention, El-Rufai's legal situation has become one of the most complex and high-stakes facing any Nigerian politician in recent memory.
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