El-Rufai in EFCC Custody Amid ₦432bn Corruption Allegations

Former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai was held in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja. This occurred on Monday night after hours of questioning over alleged financial misconduct and corruption involving ₦432 billion.

El-Rufai, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), arrived at the EFCC’s Jabi headquarters at around 10 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, to respond to a long-standing invitation from the agency.

After a lengthy interrogation, it is confirmed that he remained in their custody as of Monday night.

Origins of the Allegations

The investigation focuses on findings from a 2024 ad hoc committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The body looked into loans, contracts, financial transactions, and debt incurred between 2015 and 2023.

It covers El-Rufai’s two terms as governor. The committee’s report claimed that loans were mismanaged, contracts were awarded without proper process, and public funds were diverted. Leaving the state with serious debt issues owing to these.

Although the Assembly initially stated the figure was about ₦423 billion, investigators have expanded their inquiry to cover alleged financial irregularities totaling around ₦432 billion.

According to reports, an EFCC official mentioned that the commission’s investigation was based on the Assembly’s petition. However, this had been ongoing for nearly a year before El-Rufai was invited for questioning.

El-Rufai’s Response to Allegations

El‑Rufai’s team provided a procedural update on social media regarding his interaction with the EFCC. On social media, his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, shared a statement saying:

”UPDATE: Malam Nasir @elrufai today honored the invitation extended to him by the EFCC. He had a frank and fruitful interaction with the EFCC officials, whom his counsel noted were entirely professional in their approach and conduct. He remains with the EFCC.”

However, El-Rufai has stated in previous public comments that all public funds used during his tenure were properly allocated. They were spent on infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and other essential areas.

He has not yet released a comprehensive public response that specifically addresses the ₦432 billion corruption allegations under investigation by the EFCC.

Public Reaction and Protests

News of El-Rufai’s ongoing detention sparked reactions in the capital. On Monday afternoon, hundreds of protesters gathered at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, demanding a thorough investigation into the former governor and transparency in the probe.

Their placards and chants highlighted perceived impunity for high-profile individuals. According to reports, the group’s spokesman, Muhammad Abdullahi, said:

“We reiterate its firm position that the ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, remains a lawful and constitutional matter strictly between him and the Government of Kaduna State. This issue should not be reduced to a mere political drama or emotional manipulation.”

What Comes Next

Legal experts suggest the EFCC will likely seek a court order for remand. This will give more time for questioning and evidence gathering. A

Analysts indicate that any potential prosecution will depend on how effectively investigators can build the case beyond the Assembly’s findings.

As this high-profile inquiry progresses, questions remain about when El-Rufai will face formal charges in court regarding the alleged corruption. Observers are also watching how the judiciary will handle the separate cybercrime accusations.

The developments present a significant test for Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework and the rule of law as the country approaches another electoral cycle.