EFCC Launches Probe into Alleged N423bn Fraud Under El-Rufai’s Administration
Abuja, Nigeria – Headlinenews.news
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has set up a special investigative team to probe the alleged mismanagement of N423 billion under former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. This follows damning revelations from the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s Ad-Hoc Committee, which uncovered large-scale financial irregularities spanning El-Rufai’s tenure from 2015 to 2023.
Sources within the EFCC confirm that the anti-graft agency is reviewing petitions submitted by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), alongside findings from the House panel. The probe will extend to key officials who served under the former governor, including past Finance Commissioners, Accountants-General, and chairpersons of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS). Managing Directors of the Kaduna Market Development and Management Company Ltd, as well as the Kaduna Roads Agency (KADRA), will also be invited for questioning.
Shocking Findings from the Kaduna House of Assembly Report
The House panel’s investigation revealed that approximately N423,115,028,072.88 was siphoned from the state’s coffers between 2015 and 2023. Some of the key revelations include:
Unaccounted Withdrawals: A cumulative withdrawal of $1.4 million from the Kaduna State Economic Transformation Account.
Unapproved Loans: Kaduna State’s liabilities skyrocketed under El-Rufai, with domestic debt reaching N98.9 billion and foreign loans surging to $758 million—many allegedly acquired without due process.
Dubious Contracts: Out of N510.4 billion worth of contracts awarded during El-Rufai’s tenure, only N198.9 billion was paid to contractors, leaving behind a staggering liability of N311.5 billion.
Fraudulent Payments & Diversion:
N36.3 billion was reportedly paid to contractors for incomplete or non-existent projects.
Eight individuals and companies have been directed to refund N19.2 billion.
N30 billion was allegedly siphoned from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account through unauthorized withdrawals.
EFCC Moves to Interrogate El-Rufai and Others
An EFCC insider disclosed that the Special Task Force assigned to the case has begun isolating allegations against El-Rufai and his former aides. The former governor and several top officials will soon be invited for questioning.
“The report from the Kaduna State House of Assembly has laid a solid foundation for our investigation,” the source said. “We are now reviewing the specific financial misconducts and preparing to invite all those involved for interrogation.”
Kaduna Assembly Recommends Loan Repudiation
In addition to uncovering financial mismanagement, the House panel has advised Governor Uba Sani to reject some of the loans obtained during El-Rufai’s administration, arguing that many were acquired illegally.
The committee also accused the former governor of breaching his Oath of Office by plunging Kaduna State into massive debt while authorizing reckless contract awards and cash withdrawals.
What Next?
As the EFCC deepens its probe, political analysts believe this investigation could have far-reaching consequences. If found culpable, El-Rufai and his associates may face legal action, asset seizures, and potential prosecution.
For now, all eyes are on the anti-corruption agency as Nigerians await the next phase of this high-profile investigation.
Stay tuned to Headlinenews.news for more updates on this developing story.
Dr. Imran Khasaly
Headlinenews.news
