Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, spent his 66th birthday in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as investigations continue into allegations of multi-billion-naira money laundering.
El-Rufai, who turned 66 on Monday, February 16, had earlier honoured an invitation from the anti-graft agency and arrived at its headquarters accompanied by a large number of supporters. He was later detained overnight as part of the ongoing probe.
Reacting to the development, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar sent a birthday message describing El-Rufai as a man of courage and intellect, noting that despite what he termed political persecution and distractions, the former governor’s record of service and clarity of purpose remain evident. He also wished him strength, peace, and divine guidance in the years ahead.
El-Rufai, born on February 16, 1960, served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
Confirming his continued detention, the former governor’s spokesperson stated that El-Rufai had a constructive engagement with EFCC officials and that his legal team observed professionalism in the conduct of the operatives, adding that he remained with the commission as investigations progressed.
In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly accused El-Rufai of allegedly diverting about ₦423 billion in public funds and engaging in money laundering, calling on relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the claims.
Beyond the EFCC probe, El-Rufai is also expected to face questioning by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Recently, security operatives reportedly attempted to detain him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after his return from Cairo, Egypt.
The former governor later alleged that security agencies acted on directives from the National Security Adviser. He further claimed that intercepted communications revealed instructions to effect his arrest. These claims have since resulted in fresh legal action, with the Department of State Services filing charges accusing him of unlawfully intercepting official communications.
El-Rufai is expected to be arraigned in court as the legal and political implications of the case continue to unfold, raising questions about its possible impact on Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
