DSS Takes El-Rufai Into Custody From EFCC

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have taken former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai into custody following his detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), according to multiple security sources familiar with the matter.

Reports indicate that el-Rufai was picked up on Wednesday night from the EFCC headquarters in Abuja after spending two nights undergoing questioning by investigators. Sources disclosed that the transfer was carried out quietly, with DSS operatives assuming custody without any public statement from either agency at the time of the development. The move has since triggered intense political debate and speculation across social media and public commentary platforms.

According to insiders, el-Rufai was questioned extensively by EFCC officials over allegations linked to financial and security-related matters. During the interrogation, investigators reportedly made several attempts to obtain a written statement from the former governor, but he allegedly declined to provide one. It remains unclear whether his refusal influenced the decision to transfer him to the DSS or whether the handover was part of a broader, coordinated investigation involving national security concerns.

The development follows controversial comments el-Rufai made during a recent interview on Arise Television, where he claimed that he had access to information suggesting that the phone of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had been wiretapped. El-Rufai further implied that the alleged wiretap allowed him to hear discussions about plans to arrest him, a statement that immediately sparked outrage and raised serious legal and security questions.

Security analysts note that allegations of phone hacking or illegal surveillance involving the office of the National Security Adviser are considered grave matters under Nigerian law, potentially bordering on national security violations. Some commentators argue that el-Rufai’s televised remarks may have exposed him to additional scrutiny, especially if investigators are seeking to determine the source of the alleged intelligence or whether any laws were breached in obtaining such information.

Public reactions to the development have been sharply divided. Supporters of the former governor describe his detention as politically motivated, accusing the federal government of targeting perceived opponents and dissenting voices. Critics, however, insist that el-Rufai must be held accountable for his public statements, stressing that anyone who alleges illegal surveillance or security breaches must provide credible evidence to support such claims.

The situation has also reignited broader conversations about the relationship between politics, security agencies, and freedom of expression in Nigeria. While some Nigerians argue that the DSS is acting within its mandate to protect national security, others warn that prolonged detention without clear charges could fuel perceptions of intimidation and selective enforcement.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor the EFCC has issued an official statement detailing the specific allegations against el-Rufai or clarifying the legal basis for his continued detention. Efforts to reach representatives of the former governor for comment were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, observers say the unfolding episode could have far-reaching political implications, particularly given el-Rufai’s high-profile status and recent outspoken criticism of the political establishment. As investigations continue, Nigerians await further clarification from authorities on the nature of the case and whether formal charges will be filed in the coming days.