By Muhammad Mamman
An investigation by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency found no evidence that former Kaduna State governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai misappropriated public funds, a senior official at the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has disclosed.
Speaking on Sunday evening on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to brief the media, the official said the commission’s internal review did not establish any financial wrongdoing by El-Rufai.
“Our investigation found no evidence of theft or diversion of public funds by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai,” the source said. “From the documents and findings available to us, there was no substantiated case of misappropriation.”
The official further alleged that the former governor’s arrest was politically motivated, suggesting that external pressures may have influenced the process.
Allegations of Political Interference
While declining to provide specific details, the ICPC source claimed that the arrest did not strictly align with the commission’s investigative conclusions.
“There were indications that the move was driven by political considerations rather than the outcome of our findings,” the official said.
The ICPC has not issued an official public statement confirming or denying the claims. Efforts to obtain formal clarification from the commission were not immediately successful.
Background
El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, has remained an influential political figure in Nigeria. His tenure was marked by sweeping reforms and controversy, particularly in areas of security, public service restructuring and fiscal management.
As of the time of publication, neither El-Rufai nor his representatives had publicly responded to the allegations referenced by the ICPC source.
The development is likely to intensify political debate, particularly amid heightened scrutiny of public office holders and the role of anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
