Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and a member of the House of Representatives, has disclosed that several prominent politicians have reached out to him regarding his father's detention and ongoing legal battles. Bello represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency and revealed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso were among those who contacted him. These calls were significant, as some of these politicians had previously disagreed with Nasir El-Rufai on various political issues.
Bello highlighted that Peter Obi, despite being a subject of his previous criticism, repeatedly called to check on his father. This development has been seen as a demonstration of concern from various political figures across party lines. According to Bello, his father's detention has provided an opportunity for him to reflect and plan better. Nasir El-Rufai has been in custody since February 2026, facing investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). His detention has sparked reactions from various quarters, with several politicians expressing concern about his situation.
Nasir El-Rufai served as Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023 and recently joined the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. His legal troubles began in February 2026, following his appearance before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The ICPC confirmed that El-Rufai was in its custody for an ongoing investigation. Since then, he has faced multiple legal proceedings, including allegations of financial offences and a case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications.
The DSS case stems from comments made by El-Rufai during a February 2026 television interview, in which he discussed accessing a telephone conversation involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The prosecution subsequently filed an amended five-count charge against him, to which El-Rufai pleaded not guilty. The wiretapping case is ongoing at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with both the prosecution and defence presenting their positions. In June, the DSS closed its case after calling two witnesses, and El-Rufai's legal team filed a no-case submission.
On September 22, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja heard arguments on the no-case submission. El-Rufai's lawyers urged the court to discharge him, arguing that the prosecution had not established sufficient evidence. However, the DSS asked the court to reject the application and order El-Rufai to enter his defence. The prosecuting counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, argued that the evidence before the court was sufficient to sustain the case. Justice Abdulmalik fixed October 26, 2026, for a ruling on the no-case submission.
In addition to the DSS case, El-Rufai is pursuing a separate legal challenge against the ICPC, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation. He is seeking N1 billion in damages over issues surrounding the search of his Abuja residence by security and anti-corruption operatives. The Federal High Court has adjourned the suit until October 27 for further hearing, after the Federal Government filed a counter-affidavit opposing his claims.
The development has sparked mixed reactions, with many Nigerians following the case closely. As the legal proceedings continue, El-Rufai's supporters and critics alike are watching the situation unfold. The cases against him have raised questions about accountability and the rule of law in Nigeria. Key points in the case include the ICPC investigation, the DSS wiretapping allegations, and El-Rufai's separate suit against the Federal Government.
Key points
- Prominent politicians, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have expressed concern about Nasir El-Rufai's detention.
- El-Rufai faces multiple legal proceedings, including allegations of financial offences and wiretapping.
- The cases against El-Rufai have sparked debate about accountability and the rule of law in Nigeria.
