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By Marylyn Omoloju
Former Kaduna Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai landed in EFCC custody and spent days in their hands following hours of questioning over allegations linked to a multi-billion naira corruption investigation.
Sources with the anti graft agency said their action was in response to the report of financial sleaze during his tenure as governor, uncovered by the report of the State’s House of Assembly which accused him of abuse of office, mismanagement and misapplication of loans taken on behalf of the state.
The State Assembly allegation referenced a disputed payment of 1.37 billion meant for light rail, diversion of 155 million naira and other money laundering charges involving his aides.
Added to this is his open admission on Arise TV that he tapped the communication lines of the National Security Adviser NSA, which is tantamount to violating the privacy of an office holder, with grievous intrusion into the national security architecture with dare consequences on national security and the current fight against terrorism in the country.
El-Rufai was charged to court on 3 counts.
Charge 1 which alleged that El-Rufai admitted during the television interview that he and unnamed associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser. Prosecutors argue that the alleged act constitutes an offence contrary to Section 12 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
On Count Two, it was alleged that El-Rufai stated during the same interview that he knew and maintained a relationship with an individual who unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone communications but failed to report the individual to relevant security agencies. The charge is said to be punishable under Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
In Count Three, the prosecution alleges that El-Rufai, alongside others still at large, used technical equipment or systems in 2026 within Abuja to unlawfully intercept the NSA’s communications. The charge claims that the alleged actions compromised public safety, threatened national security, and instilled apprehension among Nigerians. This count is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
