Nasir El-Rufai Archives - Page 4 of 12

El-Rufa’i detained by ICPC over ‘failed’ ₦11.1bn JV Kaduna light-rail project

February 20, 2026February 20, 2026 Aminu Imam

Former Kaduna state governor Nasir el-Rufa’i, who was initially arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) operatives shortly after his release from the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), landed in the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) custody over a pending trial before the Federal High Court, Kaduna Division, regarding the failed ₦11.1bn Joint-Venture (JV) Kaduna light-rail project. According to the ICPC, the money was collected by a JV partner during el-Rufa’i’s administration, but the project wasn’t executed, while also adding that part of the…

FG files criminal charges against el-Rufa’i for alleged phone interception of NSA, Ribaɗu

February 17, 2026February 17, 2026 Aminu Imam

The Federal Government has charged former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i, before the Federal High Court (FCT) in Abuja over the alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribaɗu. Court documents indicated that el-Rufa’i, who is currently a guest o the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) appeared as a guest on a television programme on February 13, 2026, where he reportedly admitted involvement in the interception and acknowledged knowing those who carried out the act without reporting them to security agencies. The…

Kaduna: Shehu Sani urges EFCC to probe el-Rufai’s 8yr tenure

February 17, 2026February 17, 2026 Aminu Imam

As former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el Rufa’i, has today honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), activist and one-time Senator representing Kaduna-Central, Shehu Sani, have asked the former governor to explain to the people of the state how over 400 billions of Naira was spent without any visible project. Speaking on a television programme, the lawmaker said el-Rufa’i should also account for $350m loan he took while in power. According to him, the level of repression under him in Kaduna was such that has never…

El-Rufa’i accuses Ribaɗu’s office of importing poison from Poland

February 16, 2026February 16, 2026 Aminu Imam

…ONSA fires back A fresh controversy has erupted between former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over allegations that the national security apparatus imported a highly toxic chemical compound into Nigeria. El-Rufa’i, in a post on X yesterday, claimed that ONSA, headed by Nuhu Ribaɗu, procured about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland. He shared a letter dated January 30, 2026, which he said he addressed to the NSA, demanding clarification on the reported transaction. Describing thallium sulphate…

Presidency links el-Rufa’i’s outburst, attacks on NSA to ₦432bn corruption probe

February 16, 2026February 16, 2026 Aminu Imam

The Presidency has dismissed former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai’s allegation that the Office of the National Security Adviser imported a deadly poison from Poland, describing his outburst as a diversionary tactic to distract from the ₦432 billion corruption probe he is facing in Kaduna State. In a post published yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitooe Ajayi, the Presidency accused el-Rufa’i of playing games and playing to the gallery, insisting that he knew there was no government procurement or importation of Thallium…

Alleged NSA phone-tapping claims: Presidency seeks el-Rufa’i’s probe

February 15, 2026February 15, 2026 Aminu Imam

…As ex-gov. faces ICPC summons The Presidency has demanded a full-scale investigation into alleged wire-tapping claims made by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i, even as he confirmed he would honour an invitation from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following a dramatic airport standoff in Abuja. The controversy erupted after el-Rufai, during an appearance on television, alleged that Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribaɗu, ordered his arrest. He further claimed that he was aware of the alleged directive because “we listened to their calls”, suggesting…

Money Laundering: “El-Rufa’i defies agents at Abuja airport, avoids arrest

February 13, 2026February 13, 2026 Aminu Imam

…”He’ll honour EFCC invitation on Monday” – Counsel Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i, will appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday. Counsel to the former governor, Ubong Esop Akpan, disclosed this yesterday while reacting to the alleged attempt by security operatives to arrest el-Rufa’i at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Akpan said his client was approached by security agents yesterday afternoon upon his arrival from Cairo aboard EgyptAir flight MS 877. Describing the development as a violation of constitutional rights, the lawyer accused authorities…

“ADC won’t zone 2027 presidential ticket”, el-Rufa’i declares

February 11, 2026February 11, 2026 Aminu Imam

Former Kaduna State governor and senior figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nasir el-Rufa’i, has announced that the party will not zone its presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that all aspirants will be allowed to compete freely. Speaking in an interview programme, el-Rufa’i said the ADC had resolved to reject zoning, consensus arrangements or forced withdrawals, stressing that credible and transparent primaries would determine its flagbearer. “We will not have zoning. We will not force anyone to step down. Everyone will be given the opportunity…

Ex-Kaduna state governor, el-Rufa’i formally joins ADC

November 28, 2025November 28, 2025 Aminu Imam

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i, has formally joined the African Democratic Congress, (ADC). El-Rufa’i, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), left the party earlier this year for the Social Democratic Party, SDP. In his resignation letter from the SDP, dated November 26, 2025, the former governor stated that his focus is on contributing to the strengthening of a unified democratic platform that can offer a credible political alternative to the people of Nigeria. “I wish to notify that I have resigned my membership of the…

Kaduna Govt. gives el-Rufa’i 7 days to show proof of sending ₦1bn to bandits

November 25, 2025November 25, 2025 Aminu Imam

The Kaduna State government has issued a seven-day deadline to former governor, Nasir Ahmad el-Rufa’i, after he claimed that the present administration released ₦1 billion to bandits. The state government dismissed the allegation immediately as officials described the accusation as shocking and completely untrue. Recall that el-Rufa’i made the claim during a television appearance. He insisted that the Uba Sani-led administration approved ransom payments to criminal gangs. But the government pushed back hard. In a statement released by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Hon. (Dr.) Sule Shu’aibu,…