El-Rufai

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fresh concerns have been raised over the condition of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following claims that he developed a nosebleed while in custody and that his family has faced restrictions in reaching him.

In a statement released on Monday, his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said the former governor has spent eight days in detention after he honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026.

Adekeye explained that El-Rufai was questioned by officials of the commission and later granted administrative bail. He, however, noted that the former governor remains in custody as his lawyers pursue a review of the bail conditions, which he described as unjustifiable.

The aide also narrated that events took a troubling turn on February 17 when one of El-Rufai’s wives attempted to deliver food to him. She was reportedly stopped from handing it over personally and was asked to pass it through an official of the commission.

He further alleged that the former governor experienced a nosebleed overnight while in detention. According to him, the incident has increased concerns among his legal team regarding his health, welfare, and access to both family members and legal representatives.

Adekeye added that on the night of February 18, El-Rufai was transferred from the custody of the EFCC to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission without prior notice. His lawyers, he said, were not informed before the relocation took place.

Since the transfer, his legal team has applied for bail before the ICPC but is yet to receive a response. Adekeye insisted that no valid remand order has been presented to justify the continued detention beyond constitutional limits.

He disclosed that the former governor is expected to appear before the Federal High Court on February 25 in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against the Federal Government, the ICPC, the EFCC, and the Department of State Services, seeking to secure his release on bail.

The aide warned that the development raises serious concerns about due process and the protection of detainees’ rights as the legal battle unfolds.

Earlier reports indicated that El-Rufai had filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He challenged what he described as an unlawful invasion of his residence by operatives of the ICPC alongside police officers.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026 and filed on February 20, alleged that officers stormed his Abuja residence on February 19 using what his legal team described as a defective search warrant.

Through his counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, the former governor argued that the warrant contained multiple flaws. These include lack of specificity, material errors, and absence of probable cause, which he said rendered the operation unconstitutional.

Court documents also claimed that officials seized documents and electronic devices without providing any inventory. His lawyers argued that this violated provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the ICPC Act, and constitutional rights related to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy.

El-Rufai is seeking court orders to nullify the search, compel the return of all seized items, and restrict the use of any materials obtained during the operation. He is also demanding ₦1 billion in damages alongside legal costs.

His legal team stated that the incident caused “significant psychological trauma, humiliation, distress, reputational damage, and emotional harm,” as concerns continue to grow over the handling of the case by authorities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has taken legal action against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing the agency of illegally raiding his residence in Abuja.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja through his legal team led by Oluwole Iyamu. In the case, El-Rufai is asking the court to invalidate a search warrant issued by a magistrate court in the Federal Capital Territory on February 4. The warrant authorised security operatives to conduct a search and seize items from his home.

El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since Wednesday, February 18, over what officials described as “connection with investigations”. His media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, earlier alleged that operatives of the anti-graft agency carried out an “unlawful” search at the residence.

In the fundamental rights enforcement suit, the former governor listed the chief magistrate who approved the warrant, the inspector-general of police, and the attorney-general of the federation as respondents.

He is seeking a court declaration that the actions of the ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force violated his constitutional rights. These include the rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy as provided under sections 34, 35, 36, and 37 of the constitution.

El-Rufai also asked the court to rule that any material obtained during the search should not be admitted as evidence in any legal proceedings against him. He argued that such evidence was obtained in violation of constitutional provisions. He further requested an order preventing the respondents from using any items seized during the operation.

In addition, the former governor urged the court to compel the ICPC and the police to return all items taken from his residence, along with a detailed list of those items.

He is demanding N1 billion in damages over what he described as trespass, unlawful seizure, psychological distress, and reputational damage. The claim includes N300 million as compensation for emotional trauma, N400 million as exemplary damages to discourage misconduct by law enforcement agencies, and N300 million as aggravated damages for what he termed “malicious, high-handed and oppressive” conduct.

El-Rufai also requested N100 million to cover the cost of filing the suit and legal representation.

‘Warrant Riddled With Defects’

In his argument, Iyamu maintained that the search warrant was fundamentally flawed. He said it failed to clearly state the items to be seized, contained significant drafting errors, and gave overly broad powers to those executing it.

“The search warrant was null and void for lack of particularity, material drafting errors, ambiguity in execution parameters, over-breadth, and absence of probable cause, thereby constituting an unlawful and unreasonable search,” the lawyer said.

He cited sections 143 to 148 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, noting that applications for search warrants must be backed by sworn statements that show reasonable grounds for suspicion.

Iyamu further stated that the warrant “vaguely referred to ‘the thing aforesaid’ without any particular description”, adding that it did not follow the prescribed format and contained mistakes related to address, date, and district.

He also criticised the directive for being addressed broadly to “all officers”, which he described as excessive and lacking accountability.

An affidavit deposed to by Mohammed Shaba, identified as a principal secretary to El-Rufai, claimed that operatives of the ICPC and police arrived at the residence around 2 pm on February 19.

Shaba alleged that the warrant did not specify the items being sought and that officers did not allow themselves to be searched before the operation. He also stated that personal belongings, including documents and electronic devices, were taken.

According to him, none of the seized items has been returned, and the authorities “continue to rely on the unlawful evidence”.

He added that the suit was filed in good faith to protect El-Rufai’s constitutional rights.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Department of State Services is set to prosecute former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged cybercrime and national security violations.

The trial is scheduled to begin next Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case will be heard by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. The assignment followed a directive by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho. The News Agency of Nigeria confirmed the development.

Court filings indicate that the DSS lodged a three-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026 against the former governor. The agency accused him of unlawful interception of communications and acts said to threaten national security.

According to the charge sheet submitted on Monday, the DSS alleged that El-Rufai intercepted telephone conversations belonging to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Prosecutors stated in the first count that the former governor allegedly made an admission during a live appearance on ARISE TV on February 13. They claimed he said that he and unnamed associates intercepted Ribadu’s phone communications. The offence allegedly contravenes Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

The second count alleged that El-Rufai associated with a person who carried out the interception and failed to notify security authorities. Prosecutors said this action is punishable under Section 27(b) of the same Act.

In the third count, the DSS accused El-Rufai and other suspects still at large of deploying technical systems that endangered public safety and national security. The agency alleged that the actions created fear among Nigerians through the interception of classified communications.

The charges come amid ongoing probes by federal anti-corruption and security agencies.

Earlier in the week, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission detained the former governor over separate corruption allegations. He was granted administrative bail around 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Shortly after, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission took him into custody.

ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, confirmed at the time that the former governor remained in the commission’s custody as investigations continued.

Operatives of the ICPC also searched El-Rufai’s residence on Aso Drive in Abuja during a late-night operation. Sources described the action as part of an expanding corruption investigation.

The commission did not release details about the search or items recovered. However, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, criticised the operation. He alleged that due process was ignored and his client’s fundamental rights were violated.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The State Security Service (SSS) on Wednesday night took former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, into custody shortly after his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

El-Rufai had been held by the anti-graft agency since Monday over allegations of corruption. He was granted bail around 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Witnesses said armed SSS operatives were already stationed at the EFCC headquarters and moved in immediately after his release.

Security agents then transported him to the SSS headquarters located in the Asokoro District of Abuja. As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not indicated when he might regain freedom.

His latest arrest is tied to allegations that he illegally intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

Earlier on Monday, the SSS filed cybercrime charges against him before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, followed comments he made during a live interview on Arise Television last Friday.

During the programme, El-Rufai alleged that the NSA’s telephone line had been tapped. He claimed he overheard instructions directing security operatives to detain him. He linked those alleged directives to an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where security personnel attempted to arrest him upon his return from Cairo, Egypt, last Thursday.

Eyewitnesses recalled that the encounter at the airport became heated. Officials briefly seized his international passport and later escorted him out while supporters chanted nearby.

Following the television interview, prosecutors from the SSS filed charges, accusing him of admitting to intercepting the NSA’s communications. The prosecution also alleged that he failed to report others involved in unlawful interceptions. Authorities further claimed his actions endangered public safety and national security through the use of technical systems to monitor the NSA’s phone.

Investigators said the alleged offences contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, as well as the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. A date for arraignment has not yet been announced, and El-Rufai has not issued a public response to the charges.

Developments Leading To Arrest

Recent events began unfolding after his return to Nigeria from Cairo. Security operatives first attempted to detain him at the Abuja airport shortly after arrival.

Video clips that circulated online showed a confrontation between security officials and members of his entourage. Reports indicated that his passport was confiscated during that episode.

El-Rufai later accused the NSA of ordering the attempted arrest through the SSS. He repeated the allegation during his Arise Television appearance, insisting he had knowledge of the directive through intercepted communication.

His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, criticised the airport incident. He described the attempted arrest as arbitrary and a breach of constitutional rights. The lawyer explained that an EFCC invitation had been delivered to his client’s residence while he was outside the country. He said immediate compliance was not possible under those circumstances.

Akpan added that his client formally notified the EFCC of his readiness to honour the invitation voluntarily upon return, scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday. He also demanded the return of El-Rufai’s passport. He argued that its seizure violated his client’s dignity, movement rights, and constitutional protections. He warned that legal steps would follow any unlawful detention.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, will remain in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) overnight, his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, has confirmed.

El-Rufai honoured the invitation of the anti-graft agency on Monday morning. He has since been responding to questions from EFCC detectives regarding matters under investigation.

Providing an update late Monday, Adekeye disclosed the development in a post shared at 10:07 p.m.

“UPDATE: Malam Nasir @elrufai today honoured the invitation extended to him by the EFCC. He had a frank and fruitful interaction with the EFCC officials, whom his counsel noted were entirely professional in their approach and conduct. He remains with the EFCC.”

A source, quoted by NAN, said investigators questioned the former governor over alleged fraudulent activities linked to his administration during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.

“He is with our investigators, but cannot confirm how long he would be questioned, it is still early to know how long he will stay there,” the source was quoted to have said.

Another source indicated that there is a possibility he may be taken to court for arraignment after the interrogation process.

Meanwhile, as the EFCC engagement continued, the Department of State Services (DSS) filed charges against El-Rufai over allegations that he bugged the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

El-Rufai had spoken on ARISE Television during the weekend. He alleged that someone tapped Ribadu’s phone and overheard him ordering his arrest.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has called on former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to forward proof of his allegation concerning the purchase of a poisonous substance to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation.

The reaction followed claims by El-Rufai that the National Security Adviser’s office, led by Nuhu Ribadu, procured thallium sulphate, a toxic chemical compound. He had also alleged that the substance was sourced from a supplier in Poland and demanded clarification over the reported transaction.

Thallium sulphate is known to be a highly poisonous, colourless and odourless substance capable of causing death even in small quantities.

In its response, ONSA dismissed the allegation. The office urged the former governor to provide any evidence in his possession to the DSS to enable a detailed probe.

A formal reply to El-Rufai was issued in a letter signed by Brigadier-General OM Adesuyi on behalf of the National Security Adviser. The correspondence was dated February 13, 2026, and acknowledged an earlier message from the former governor.

“I have the honour to present the compliments of the National Security Adviser and to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s correspondence received on 11 February 2026 requesting clarification regarding the alleged procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

“The correspondence further indicated that information concerning the purported procurement is reportedly available to the political opposition leadership. In this regard, I am directed to respectfully convey that ONSA has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material, and has no intention of doing so.

“However, I am further directed to state that the allegation has been formally referred to the Department of State Services for a comprehensive investigation. Your Excellency and other parties involved, who may possess relevant information relating to this claim will be duly invited by the Service to provide any evidence that may assist in an in-depth investigation, establishing the facts and ensuring due diligence.

“Please accept the assurances of the esteemed regards of the National Security Adviser.”

Sources indicated that an initial attempt to deliver the letter to El-Rufai’s Abuja residence was unsuccessful. Security personnel on duty reportedly declined to receive the document. They said the chief security officer was absent and could not confirm when the former governor would be available.

The correspondence was later delivered on Sunday. It was received and signed by the head of security on behalf of El-Rufai.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Security operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday afternoon attempted to arrest former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai upon his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in an incident his lawyers have described as “illegal” and a “flagrant violation of constitutional rights.”

El-Rufai arrived aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo, where he had undergone medical treatment. His legal team said he was met at the airport by DSS operatives who moved to arrest him without presenting any warrant or formal invitation letter.

According to a statement issued by his counsel, Ubong Esop Akpan, when El-Rufai calmly demanded to see the letter of invitation “a basic entitlement of any citizen facing state action,” none could be produced. Operatives subsequently seized his international passport, an act the lawyers termed “nothing short of stealing.”

The incident triggered a spontaneous reaction from ordinary Nigerians present at the airport, who surrounded the scene and insisted that the former governor could only be arrested upon a legitimate process. Their intervention, the statement noted, was “a testament to the citizenry’s unyielding commitment to the rule of law.”

The controversy stems from an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which was delivered to El-Rufai’s residence while he was already abroad. His lawyers described the demand for immediate attendance as “inherently illogical and impractical.”

In response, the legal team formally communicated with the EFCC on El-Rufai’s behalf since December 2025, assuring compliance upon his return. On Wednesday, they explicitly notified the anti-graft agency that the former governor would voluntarily appear at their office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.

“Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” Akpan’s statement read.

The legal team has issued a firm public declaration that El-Rufai “will never take the cowardly route of running away from law enforcement” and will honour “all legitimate law enforcement summons without preconditions.”

The lawyers demanded the immediate cessation of all unlawful efforts to detain their client, the immediate return of his seized passport, and a formal apology for what they described as an “egregious infringement on his dignity and rights.”

They also vowed to pursue legal action against all persons and agencies responsible for the incident, stating: “The judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter, and we shall seek redress through all available legal channels to protect the sanctity of the law.”

As of press time, the EFCC and DSS had not issued official statements regarding the incident.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said he fears he could be arrested in the near future, citing recent actions taken against some of his political associates.

El-Rufai made this known during an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday. He suggested that the detention of individuals who worked closely with him may signal a move against him by the Federal Government.

“Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too,” he said.

Although he acknowledged that he has not been taken into custody, the former governor insisted that the arrests of his allies point to the possibility of imminent action.

El-Rufai recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He described the present situation as part of what he called increasing political intimidation directed at opposition figures.

According to him, the political climate has become tense for politicians who are not aligned with the ruling party. He alleged that both subtle and open pressures are being applied to force politicians either to defect to the APC or remain within it.

He added that the atmosphere has pushed many political actors into making decisions out of necessity rather than personal conviction. In his view, concerns about safety and political survival now influence alignments more than ideology.

His remarks come at a time when political defections and realignments are gathering pace ahead of future elections. While the Federal Government has not issued any official response to his claims, his comments reflect widening distrust between sections of the opposition and the ruling party.

El-Rufai’s warning that his arrest could occur “anytime” has further stirred political debate, with observers monitoring developments closely.

Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that the former governor also spoke about his relationship with President Bola Tinubu. He said even if he had accepted a ministerial role, he would not have remained long in the administration because of ideological differences.

“I think it’s important to make this clarification. There is an assumption that I was ever Tinubu’s friend. I was not. We never got along with Tinubu. We never had a personal relationship,” he said.

He explained that his support for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election was based on party considerations rather than personal ties.

“For me, Tinubu was initially just an aspirant of the party. I was approached by certain Islamic stakeholders from the South-West and asked to support the emergence of a South-West Muslim presidential candidate,” he stated.

Reiterating his stance, he again said: “I think it’s important to make this clarification. There is an assumption that I was ever Tinubu’s friend. I was not. We never got along with Tinubu. We never had a personal relationship,” he said.

El-Rufai noted that his backing of Tinubu rested on an internal agreement within the APC on power rotation.

He said: “As one of the founders of the APC, I knew that we had an understanding with the South, specifically the South-West, that after eight years of Buhari, power would go to the South. It was a matter of principle. It wasn’t about Tinubu.”

He stated that once Tinubu emerged as the party’s flagbearer, he committed himself fully to the campaign.

“It is a principle of mine that I fight for the candidate of my party in every election to win, whether I like the candidate or not. Tinubu emerged as the candidate, and I gave everything to ensure that he won. And that’s what I did,” El-Rufai said.

Despite that support, he said differences in governance philosophy later created a divide between them.

He said: “I am in government for delivery, for results and performance. Public service is not about making money for yourself, it’s not about stealing, it’s not about appointing your cronies or your tribesmen.”

El-Rufai further revealed that he was offered a ministerial appointment. He maintained that he would not have stayed long if the appointment had been finalised.

“Even if the offer that Tinubu made to me to be a minister had gone through, I would have left the government long ago. The philosophy of this government is contrary to everything I have been taught as a Muslim, as a northerner, and as a Nigerian,” El-Rufai declared.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has brought a senior associate of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai before a Federal High Court over an alleged ₦311 billion money laundering scheme.

Amadu Sule, Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, was arraigned in Kaduna on a five-count charge.

The charges, signed by the Head of ICPC’s High-Profile Prosecution Department, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, include unlawful retention of proceeds of fraud and money laundering, contrary to the 2022 Money Laundering Act.

The case centers on over ₦311 billion traced to company accounts in Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC, and Providus Bank. ICPC alleges the funds, received from companies including INT Towers Limited and IHS Nigeria Ltd for purported petroleum product supplies, are proceeds of crime.

The commission asserts Sule “reasonably ought to have known” the money was illicit.

ICPC further accuses Sule and his company of illegally retaining hundreds of billions in tax components from the disputed deals, despite alleged awareness of fraud in the underlying transactions.

These actions, described as direct handling of illicit proceeds, could attract enhanced penalties under anti-money laundering laws.

The case has garnered significant attention due to TMDK Terminal Limited’s known long-term business and political ties to the el-Rufai family, including the former governor and his elder brother, Bashir.

The court has adjourned the matter until January 15 for the hearing of Sule’s bail application.

By Uzair Adam

Malam Nasir El-Rufai has admitted that he and other politicians supported President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election despite being aware of the controversy surrounding his academic records at Chicago State University.

In an interview with the BBC, the former Kaduna State governor explained that their backing was based on the belief that Tinubu would replicate his performance as Lagos State governor on a national scale.

“What pains me is that the government we supported, and had confidence in, is not delivering as expected. We knew about his Chicago issue, but we believed if he could do for Nigeria what he did in Lagos, it would be worth supporting him,” El-Rufai said.

After openly criticizing Tinubu’s administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), El-Rufai defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on March 10, 2025.

Since then, he has been making efforts to attract other politicians to join the party in a bid to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections.

As part of his political maneuvers, the former governor recently met with Pastor Tunde Bakare and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, a former ally of Tinubu.

He has also called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi to join the SDP.

Addressing speculation that he left the APC to contest for the presidency in 2027, El-Rufai said the decision is not his alone to make.

“It is not for me to decide; it is the party and the people who will determine that. Even when I contested for governor, it was people who met and convinced Muhammadu Buhari, and he called me to contest,” he said.