The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, shortly after his release on bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
El-Rufai, who had been in EFCC custody since Monday over alleged corruption charges, was granted bail at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday. However, witnesses said DSS operatives were waiting at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja and immediately took him into custody upon his exit.
The fresh arrest is reportedly connected to allegations that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
On Monday, the DSS filed cybercrime charges against the former governor at the Federal High Court in Abuja, in a case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026.
The charges followed El-Rufai’s comments during a live interview on Arise Television, where he claimed that Ribadu’s phone had been tapped and that he overheard instructions directing security agencies to detain him.
Prosecutors alleged that El-Rufai admitted to intercepting the NSA’s communications, failed to report others involved in unlawful interception, and compromised 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 been announced, and El-Rufai has yet to publicly respond to the charges.
The arrest marks the latest twist in a series of events following El-Rufai’s recent return from Cairo, Egypt.
Last Thursday, security operatives attempted to detain him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja shortly after his arrival. Videos circulating online showed a heated exchange between the former governor’s entourage and security personnel.
Witnesses said his international passport was briefly confiscated before he was escorted out of the airport amid chants from supporters.
In his Arise TV interview, El-Rufai alleged that the attempted arrest was carried out on the instruction of the NSA through the DSS, claiming he had knowledge of the directive through intercepted communications.
El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemned the attempted arrest and subsequent actions, describing them as arbitrary and unconstitutional.
According to the lawyer, the EFCC’s invitation was delivered to his client’s residence while he was abroad, making immediate compliance impossible.
He added that El-Rufai had formally communicated with the commission and agreed to appear voluntarily upon his return, which he did on Monday at 10 a.m.
With corruption and cybercrime allegations now running concurrently, the former governor faces mounting legal battles as the political and security drama continues to unfold.