Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has reportedly been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after being granted bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
El-Rufai had earlier honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged corruption connected to his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
He was released around 8 p.m. after meeting bail conditions, but was subsequently picked up at the EFCC headquarters.
Alleged Interception of NSA’s Communications
The latest arrest is said to be tied to allegations that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted the communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Reports indicate that the former governor had admitted during a national television interview that he monitored Ribadu’s private phone conversations. He reportedly referenced a call relating to his recent failed arrest attempt at the Abuja airport — an incident he had previously blamed on the NSA.
Legal and Political Implications
If confirmed, the allegation of unauthorized interception of communications could carry serious legal consequences under Nigeria’s cybercrime and national security laws, particularly given the sensitivity of the office of the National Security Adviser.
The development marks a sharp escalation in tensions between El-Rufai and elements of the current national security architecture.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor the EFCC has issued an official public statement detailing the grounds for the arrest or the specific charges involved.
The situation is expected to trigger significant political reactions, given El-Rufai’s prominence in national politics and his outspoken stance on recent political developments.
