The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained why it has yet to arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following his recent interrogation over alleged corruption.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), El-Rufai was held in EFCC custody for two nights, from February 16 to February 18, after honouring the commission’s invitation.
A source within the commission disclosed that investigations into the allegations against the former governor are still ongoing, which is why he has not been formally charged.
The source said the commission would not rush to court over what was described as grievous allegations, stressing that a thorough and professional investigation must first be concluded.
“We are still investigating the former governor and have yet to conclude our findings before he was released on bail last Wednesday,” the source said.
The official added that although El-Rufai was initially taken into custody by the EFCC, he was subsequently handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is also probing related matters.
“We will continue with our investigations after he is done with the ICPC. He will be charged to court upon the completion of investigations into the various allegations levelled against him,” the source added.
El-Rufai was first detained by the EFCC on Monday, February 16, and was released on administrative bail on Wednesday night. He was later taken into custody by the ICPC.
One of his aides, Muyiwa Adekeye, stated that as of Tuesday, the former governor had spent nine days in the custody of both anti-graft agencies.
Adekeye further claimed that El-Rufai’s legal team had not received any response from the ICPC regarding a bail application submitted on his behalf. He also alleged that no remand order authorising his continued detention had been presented, despite what he described as the expiration of the constitutional 48-hour limit for holding a suspect without charge.
