Former Nasir El-Rufai on Monday arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja over ongoing investigations into alleged corruption during his tenure as Kaduna State governor.
His arrival reportedly created tension at the EFCC entrance, as security operatives restricted members of his entourage from entering the premises.
Supporters of El-Rufai gathered near the commission, chanting slogans and holding placards reading: “El-Rufai is a citizen, not a subject” and “We stand with El-Rufai. We stand for law.”
A video circulating online showed supporters alleging that the EFCC used teargas to disperse them while allegedly allowing anti-El-Rufai protesters to assemble nearby.
Opposing demonstrators carried banners stating, “El-Rufai cannot hide behind politics, let the law catch up,” and smaller placards urging, “Answer the charge, El-Rufai.”
El-Rufai, an African Democratic Congress chieftain, had travelled abroad on November 30, 2025. Sources said the EFCC delivered a letter of invitation to his residence in December, raising speculation that he could face arrest upon returning.
The ex-governor’s media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, alleged that security agents previously attempted to arrest El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while he arrived from Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday.
“Security agents today attempted to arrest Malam Nasir El-Rufai as he arrived on a flight from Cairo. Malam El-Rufai declined to follow them without a formal invitation,” Adekeye posted on X. He also claimed officials seized the ex-governor’s passport during the encounter.
Speaking to BBC Hausa last Wednesday, El-Rufai described the airport incident as “executive overreach and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law,” warning that he could be arrested at any moment, noting that several of his former aides had already been detained.
Investigations by the EFCC and the ICPC reportedly continue, including a probe initiated by his successor, Uba Sani, into El-Rufai’s tenure.
The former governor has denied wrongdoing, alleging persecution by the federal government and the All Progressives Congress. He has also intensified criticism of President Bola Tinubu, asserting that he was never an ally of the president.
Details later…
