El-Rufai Stuck in EFCC Custody Following Failure to Fulfil Bail Conditions

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, remains in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after his administrative bail arrangement collapsed following the withdrawal of a proposed surety.

El-Rufai is currently under investigation by the anti-graft agency over the alleged misappropriation of more than ₦433 billion during his eight-year tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023. Sources familiar with the matter said the EFCC had earlier granted him administrative bail subject to stringent conditions, including the provision of two senior federal officials as sureties — a serving Permanent Secretary and a Director in a federal ministry. However, the process reportedly stalled after one of the proposed sureties backed out, leading to the collapse of the bail arrangement. The development means the former governor will remain in EFCC custody pending the fulfilment of bail conditions or further action by the commission. The investigation is said to be linked to petitions and financial reviews concerning contract awards, loans, and other expenditures undertaken during his administration in Kaduna State. El-Rufai reportedly honoured the EFCC’s invitation for questioning before he was detained. As of the time of filing this report, no formal charges have been announced in court regarding the alleged ₦433 billion misappropriation. Legal experts note that administrative bail is discretionary and may be delayed or revoked if conditions are not fully satisfied.