In a dramatic turn of events at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday night, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was re-arrested the moment he regained his freedom.
Operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) swooped in to detain him immediately after the anti-graft agency granted him bail.
Mr El-Rufai had been in EFCC custody since Monday, facing interrogation over corruption allegations during his tenure. He was granted bail around 8 pm, but witnesses reported that SSS agents, who had laid in wait at the premises, moved in to pick him up as he attempted to leave.
The fresh detention by the secret police is connected to separate allegations of cybercrime and national security breaches. Specifically, the SSS accuses the former governor of unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
Allegations Stem from TV Interview
The charges, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, arise from comments Mr El-Rufai made during a live appearance on Arise TV last Friday.
During the broadcast, the former governor claimed that the NSA’s telephone line had been compromised. He alleged he overheard Mr Ribadu giving instructions for his arrest, a directive he claimed led to an attempted detention at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the previous Thursday. That airport incident, which went viral on social media, showed a heated exchange between his entourage and security officials, who briefly seized his international passport.
SSS prosecutors argue that by making these statements, the former governor admitted to intercepting the NSA’s communications. They further allege that he failed to report those responsible for the wiretapping and jeopardised public safety by using technical systems to access the NSA’s calls. These actions, according to the charge sheet, violate the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
As of the time of this report, no date has been set for his arraignment, and Mr El-Rufai has not issued a public statement regarding the new charges.
A History of Confrontations
This arrest marks the latest chapter in a series of rapid-fire confrontations since the politician’s return from Cairo, Egypt. The initial attempt to detain him at the airport last Thursday was met with resistance, with his lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemning the action as a violation of his constitutional rights.
Mr Akpan had also addressed the EFCC invitation, explaining that it was delivered while his client was overseas, making immediate compliance impossible. He had assured the anti-graft agency of Mr El-Rufai’s voluntary attendance upon his return, which was scheduled for Monday morning. Following the airport incident, the lawyer demanded the return of his client’s passport, warning of legal action against any unlawful detention.
The former governor has been under significant legal and political scrutiny since leaving office. He faces a separate probe by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and has been accused by the Kaduna State House of Assembly of diverting N423 billion in public funds during his time in office.
.
Discussion about this post