Moments after EFCC bail, DSS picks up El-Rufai

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was rearrested on Wednesday night by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after he was granted bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

An EFCC source confirmed the development late Wednesday, explaining that although the Commission approved his bail and released him, another security agency immediately took him into custody.

> “Yes, it’s true. We released him tonight, but another security agency immediately arrested him. He is now in DSS custody,” the source said.

El-Rufai had been detained by the EFCC since Monday over allegations linked to a reported N432 billion corruption probe connected to his tenure as governor of Kaduna State. He spent two nights in custody while investigators questioned him and his legal team pursued bail.

Earlier reports had suggested he had regained his freedom, but EFCC officials maintained at the time that he remained in detention.

According to sources, shortly after he stepped out of the EFCC headquarters around 8 p.m. following the approval of bail, DSS operatives who had reportedly been waiting outside took him into custody.

The DSS action is believed to relate to separate allegations involving cybercrime, including claims of unlawful interception of phone communications allegedly connected to the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The latest development broadens the matter beyond financial allegations into issues reportedly bordering on national security.

As of press time, El-Rufai remains in DSS custody while investigations continue.