JUST IN: “I May Be Arrested Soon” — El-Rufai

Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State and a leading member of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), has said he believes he could soon be arrested by security agencies in Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, El-Rufai noted that although he has not been detained, several people who worked closely with him in Kaduna have already been taken into custody.

“About four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested. So, it may only be a matter of time before they come for me as well,” he said.

His remarks come amid heightened attention around the arrest and prosecution of Abubakar Malami, Nigeria’s former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Malami is currently in custody while facing multiple allegations.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused Malami of offences including abuse of office and money laundering. He was later re-arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over separate allegations related to terrorism financing.

Malami has denied all the allegations against him. He is regarded by some as a prominent figure among opposition voices critical of President Bola Tinubu.