By MUHAMMAD DANBABA
The political drama surrounding former Kaduna State governor, , deepened on Wednesday night after operatives of the (DSS) reportedly took him into custody from the headquarters of the (EFCC) in Abuja.
Multiple security and government sources confirmed that the DSS action came after El-Rufai had spent two nights in EFCC detention over allegations linked to his tenure between 2015 and 2023. The development marks a fresh twist in the widening investigations surrounding the former governor.
DSS Takes Custody of Nasir El-Rufai After EFCC Interrogation
According to insider accounts, DSS operatives arrived at the EFCC facility late Wednesday and assumed custody of the former governor. While officials have yet to release an official public statement, sources insist that the transfer relates to a separate security matter.
During his time with the anti-graft agency, investigators reportedly attempted to obtain a written statement from El-Rufai. However, he allegedly declined to provide one despite repeated requests.
El-Rufai had voluntarily presented himself at the EFCC headquarters on Monday following an invitation tied to alleged financial improprieties during his administration in Kaduna State. The invitation followed months of scrutiny after the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted him in 2024.
N423 Billion Allegation and Legislative Indictment
The former governor’s legal troubles stem largely from allegations that over ₦423 billion in public funds were diverted during his tenure. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted him over claims of fund mismanagement and money laundering.
Following that indictment, lawmakers urged federal anti-corruption agencies to launch a comprehensive investigation. Consequently, both the EFCC and the (ICPC) initiated separate processes involving the former governor.
Although El-Rufai has consistently denied wrongdoing, the investigations have steadily intensified. Meanwhile, the political atmosphere around his case has grown more charged, particularly after his recent public statements.
Airport Arrest Attempt and Wiretapping Allegations
Last week, security operatives reportedly attempted to arrest El-Rufai at the shortly after he returned from Cairo, Egypt. The incident triggered controversy after one of his aides publicly alleged political interference.
Soon after, El-Rufai claimed that the ICPC acted on the instruction of the National Security Adviser, , to effect his arrest.
During an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, the former governor escalated matters further. He alleged that someone wiretapped Ribadu’s phone conversation and that he had access to a discussion in which the NSA allegedly ordered security operatives to arrest him.
That claim sparked fresh security concerns.
DSS Files Charges Over Alleged Interception
In a swift response, the DSS filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the National Security Adviser’s telephone conversation. The charges signal that the security agency considers the matter beyond political rhetoric.
Sources familiar with the situation stressed that the DSS action is unrelated to the EFCC’s corruption probe. Instead, they described it as a separate and escalating national security issue.
“He has a case to answer regarding an escalating security matter. This is not connected to the EFCC investigation,” a senior security official reportedly said.
Political and Legal Implications
The development significantly raises the stakes. While the EFCC investigation focuses on alleged financial misconduct, the DSS involvement introduces national security dimensions into the unfolding crisis.
Analysts say the dual investigations could shape Nigeria’s political landscape in the coming months. El-Rufai remains a prominent figure within the ruling party and a vocal commentator on national issues. Therefore, his legal battles could carry both political and institutional consequences.
Moreover, the situation underscores ongoing tensions between powerful political actors and security institutions. As a result, observers expect heightened scrutiny over due process, transparency, and the rule of law.
What Happens Next?
Legal experts suggest that the immediate focus will shift to court proceedings tied to the DSS charges. At the same time, the EFCC investigation continues independently.
If formal arraignment follows, El-Rufai may seek bail while contesting both the corruption allegations and the security-related charges. However, much depends on how prosecutors frame their case and whether additional evidence emerges.
For now, one thing remains clear: the headline that DSS takes custody of Nasir El-Rufai signals a dramatic new chapter in a controversy that shows no sign of slowing down.
As Nigerians watch closely, the unfolding events may redefine political accountability and the boundaries between anti-corruption enforcement and national security operations.
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