February 16, (THEWILL) — Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is facing intensified scrutiny as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) interrogated him over alleged corruption, while the Department of State Services (DSS) filed criminal charges against him for cybercrime, all amid a renewed investigation into the unresolved disappearance of lecturer Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata.
THEWILL reports that El-Rufai arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, around 11 a.m. on Monday, in response to an official invitation and was immediately taken in by investigators. A large crowd of supporters along Off Airport Road accompanied him.
An EFCC source confirmed that the interrogation could lead to formal arraignment, depending on the outcome.
The DSS has filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging that he unlawfully intercepted communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, thereby compromising national security. The prosecution claims that El-Rufai, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, acted in concert with other individuals still at large.
The first count states that during a February 3 appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time program, El-Rufai admitted involvement in the interception, an act punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024. The second count alleges that he knew of the unlawful interception but failed to report it to the authorities, while the third count contends that the use of technical equipment to intercept the NSA’s calls endangered public safety and national security, in violation of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. THEWILL reports that the court has not yet fixed a hearing date.
The DSS has also intensified its investigation into the 2019 disappearance of Dadiyata, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State, who was abducted from his Kaduna residence on August 1, 2019, and remains missing.
Last Thursday, El-Rufai’s international passport was seized at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, preventing him from leaving the country. DSS sources said the former governor had planned to return to Egypt after brief engagements with the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Months of intelligence reportedly suggest that El-Rufai may have had prior knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the lecturer’s disappearance. His sons, Bello and Bashir, are also expected to be formally invited to assist the investigation, following social media posts they made months after Dadiyata’s abduction that raised concerns about possible concealment of relevant information.
A DSS source said, “The investigation remains focused on establishing the roles, if any, played by the former governor and his sons. All individuals found culpable will be held accountable.”
The outcome of the EFCC interrogation, DSS cybercrime charges, and the ongoing Dadiyata investigation could determine whether El-Rufai faces formal arraignment or further legal action in the coming weeks.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
