Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has spent a second night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as investigators continue questioning him over an alleged ₦432 billion corruption probe.
El-Rufai arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 10 a.m. on Monday following an invitation by the anti-graft agency. He was subsequently detained as investigators began grilling him over matters linked to his eight years in office as governor of Kaduna State.
A senior EFCC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, dismissed reports circulating on social media that the former governor had been released.
“Forget the speculations being peddled on social media that he has been released. He has not. El-Rufai is still with us and will be spending another night in custody,” the source said.
The official added that the commission was considering seeking a remand order to extend his stay beyond the legally permitted 48 hours to allow investigators conclude their questioning.
“The investigators need some time with him to answer questions arising from his eight years as governor in Kaduna State,” the source stated.
Speaking in a telephone interview with The PUNCH, El-Rufai’s counsel, A.U. Mustapha (SAN), confirmed that his client remained in EFCC custody but stressed that he had fully cooperated with investigators.
“Well, as a responsible citizen, he was invited and, true to his word, he honoured the invitation,” Mustapha said. “As we speak, he is still with the EFCC. He is cooperating to the best of his capacity, and we hope that the EFCC, given its integrity, will be kind enough to admit him to bail because he is presumed innocent.”
The senior advocate described the former governor as a responsible citizen who is not a flight risk, noting that he returned to Nigeria voluntarily and formally notified the commission of his intention to honour its invitation.
When asked about the specific allegations against his client, Mustapha declined to provide details.
The EFCC has yet to issue an official statement on the development.
Credit: Punch
