Nasir El-Rufai Faces Cybercrime Charges and EFCC Probe Over Mismanaged Funds

Former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai faces cybercrime charges and EFCC investigations over alleged illegal phone interceptions and mismanagement of state funds. He was detained after an eight-hour interrogation, while protests erupted both in support of and against him. The case could lead to jail time and fines if he is convicted.

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai faces up to two years in jail if convicted of cybercrime offences after the Directorate of State Service (DSS) filed a three-count charge over the alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The charges, based on comments El-Rufai made in a February 13, 2026, Arise TV interview, allege he admitted knowledge of illegal phone interceptions, failed to report them, and used technical systems that compromised national security.
El-Rufai was also detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after an eight-hour interrogation over alleged financial mismanagement, including claims that over N21 billion of state funds were unaccounted for, part of a broader total of N432 billion allegedly mismanaged during his tenure from May 2015 to May 2023. Investigations focus on projects like the failed Kaduna light rail scheme and alleged diversion of funds, with formal petitions from the Kaduna State Government and resolutions of the State House of Assembly backing the probe.
His EFCC appearance drew protesters both supporting and opposing him, with some accusing the agencies of political persecution, while others demanded justice. Demonstrations also occurred in Kaduna, where citizens called for updates on the legislative investigation. El-Rufai has previously suggested he expected arrest and criticized the ICPC and DSS for his detention, claiming political targeting. The former governor now faces both cybercrime charges and financial probes, with potential imprisonment and fines pending the outcomes of these investigations.