Abuja — Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was rearrested on Wednesday night shortly after being released on bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following his detention over corruption allegations earlier in the week.
Mr. El-Rufai had been in EFCC custody since Monday morning. He was granted bail at approximately 8 p.m. on Wednesday but was immediately taken into custody by armed operatives stationed outside the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, according to eyewitnesses.
The identity of the agency responsible for the rearrest remains unclear. While some sources indicated that operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) carried out the action, others suggested involvement by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is also investigating the former governor over alleged financial misconduct.
Cybercrime Charges Filed
Earlier in the week, the SSS filed cybercrime charges against Mr. El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging unlawful interception of communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, followed comments Mr. El-Rufai made during a live appearance on Arise Television. In the interview, he claimed that the NSA’s phone conversations had been intercepted and that he heard instructions directing security operatives to detain him.
Prosecutors allege that Mr. El-Rufai admitted to intercepting communications, failed to report others involved in unlawful surveillance, and compromised public safety. The charges reportedly cite provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. No arraignment date has yet been announced, and Mr. El-Rufai has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Airport Incident and Legal Dispute
The developments follow an incident last Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where security operatives attempted to detain Mr. El-Rufai upon his arrival from Cairo, Egypt. Videos circulating online showed a brief confrontation between security personnel and his entourage. His international passport was reportedly confiscated during the encounter.
Mr. El-Rufai later alleged that the attempted arrest was carried out at the instruction of the National Security Adviser through the SSS. His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, described the action as arbitrary and unconstitutional, stating that an EFCC invitation had been delivered while his client was abroad, making immediate compliance impractical.
According to the lawyer, Mr. El-Rufai had formally communicated his intention to appear before the EFCC upon his return and warned that legal action would be taken against any unlawful detention.
Broader Political Context
Mr. El-Rufai has faced increasing scrutiny since leaving office, including allegations that his administration diverted N423 billion in public funds. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly called for investigations into his tenure, while the ICPC also summoned him for questioning.
Once an ally of President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaign, Mr. El-Rufai later became a vocal critic after his ministerial nomination did not materialize. He has since aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), pledging to collaborate with opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.
As of press time, neither the EFCC nor other security agencies had issued an official statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s rearrest.
