Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday interrogated former Nasir El-Rufai at the commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, following his appearance to honour an invitation by the anti-graft agency.
Neither the commission nor associates of the former Kaduna State governor had provided an official update on his stay as of late Monday.
El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, earlier confirmed his arrival in a social media post, stating that the former governor was at the EFCC office to honour the invitation.
Protesters gather at EFCC office
Supporters and critics of the former governor gathered outside the EFCC headquarters, staging opposing demonstrations.
While supporters displayed placards reading “Say No To InJustice” and “We Stand With El-Rufai,” opposing protesters carried signs such as “No One Is Above the Law” and “El-Rufai Must Be Probed,” urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.
Security operatives later dispersed the crowd after traffic congestion built up in the area.
Access restricted, EFCC appeals for calm
There was mild drama when some individuals who accompanied El-Rufai were denied entry into the commission’s premises.
A protest group spokesperson, Muhammad Abdullahi, insisted that the corruption allegations against the former governor must not be politicised.
Responding to the protesters, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale assured them that their petition would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
“The EFCC recognises the right of Nigerians to lawful protest… and will professionally attend to all issues raised,” he said.
Allegations linked to Kaduna tenure
Sources quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria said detectives questioned El-Rufai over alleged fraud during his tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023.
In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly set up a 13-member committee to review loans, grants and project implementation during his administration.
The committee accused him of money laundering and diversion of public funds amounting to ₦423 billion and recommended his probe.
El-Rufai has denied the allegations and challenged the lawmakers in court.
Possible legal action
A source at the commission said the duration of the interrogation remained uncertain, while another hinted at the possibility of arraignment in court.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services has reportedly filed charges against the former governor over allegations that he bugged the phone of Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the latest developments.
