Breaking: Another Top Security Agency Rearrests El-Rufai Shortly After Leaving EFCC Custody
- Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was reportedly rearrested by the State Security Service moments after securing bail from the EFCC
- The service linked the rearrest to the alleged unlawful interception of phone records belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu
- El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemned the detention as arbitrary and demanded that his client’s international passport also be returned
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FCT, Abuja - Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai was reportedly rearrested on February 18 by the State Security Service (SSS) moments after securing his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
El-Rufai, who had been in EFCC custody over corruption-related allegations, was granted bail at about 8 pm, with witnesses claiming SSS operatives immediately took him into custody outside the commission's headquarters in Abuja.
Source: Twitter
El-Rufai's rearrest linked to phone interception claims
Security sources said the rearrest is connected to allegations that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted telephone communications belonging to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Premium Times reported.
Earlier on Monday, the SSS had filed cybercrime charges against the former governor at the Federal High Court, accusing him of offences related to illegal interception of communications.
The charges followed El-Rufai’s comments during a previous live interview on Arise TV, in which he claimed that the NSA’s phone was tapped and that he heard instructions directing security operatives to detain him.
El-Rufai court filing cites cybercrime laws
According to Vanguard, citing court documents, prosecutors alleged that El-Rufai admitted to intercepting the NSA’s communications, failed to report others involved in unlawful interceptions, and endangered public safety and national security.
The alleged offences are said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
No arraignment date has yet been fixed, and El-Rufai has not publicly responded to the charges.
The developments follow a series of incidents that began on February 12 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after El-Rufai returned from Cairo, Egypt.
Security operatives attempted to arrest the former governor at the airport, leading to a brief confrontation and the temporary confiscation of his international passport.
El-Rufai later alleged that the attempted arrest was carried out on the instruction of the NSA through the SSS, a claim which he reiterated in his divisive Arise TV interview.
Lawyer condemns El-Rufai's arrest, demands passport
Reacting to the unfolding situation, the former governor's lawyer, Ubong Akpan, criticised the attempted arrest and subsequent detention, describing them as arbitrary and a violation of his client’s constitutional rights.
He said the EFCC invitation had been delivered while El-Rufai was abroad, making immediate compliance impossible, and added that his client had formally communicated his intention to honour the invitation upon his return.
Akpan also demanded the immediate return of his client's passport, warning that legal action would be taken against any unlawful detention.
Source: Twitter
Political fallout of El-Rufai rearrest deepens scrutiny
El-Rufai has remained under increasing scrutiny since leaving office, including allegations of diverting large sums of public funds during his tenure as Kaduna governor.
In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly called for investigations into his administration, while the ICPC also summoned him for questioning.
Once a key ally of Bola Tinubu, El-Rufai later fell out with the President after a proposed ministerial appointment collapsed.
He has since joined the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), positioning himself as a vocal critic of the current administration.
As of Wednesday night, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the latest rearrest, while the legal and political implications continue to unfold.
Analyst speaks on El-Rufai's predicament
Speaking with Legit.ng on Sunday, February 22, Hamma Hayatu, a political expert, said:
"This life no balance sha, in 2022 when Elrufai was answering questions in London on behalf of Tinubu, Reno was outside the venue leading a protest against Tinubu. Today Tinubu as president, Elrufai is under security custody while Reno is doing PR for Tinubu government."
Baba-Ahmed speaks on El-Rufai's attitude
Previously, Legit.ng reported that a former special adviser on political matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima had openly criticised Nasir El-Rufai over his recent conduct amid growing allegations and controversy surrounding him.
Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed spoke after the Federal Government filed charges against the former governor over allegations connected to the unlawful interception of the phone communications of National Security Adviser Ribadu.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
