Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on Monday over ongoing investigations into alleged corruption during his tenure.
El-Rufai’s arrival sparked tension at the EFCC entrance, as security personnel restricted members of his entourage from entering the premises. Supporters of the ex-governor gathered nearby, 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 EFCC officials allegedly dispersing some of El-Rufai’s supporters with teargas, while an opposing group protesting against the former governor was allowed to assemble nearby. The anti-El-Rufai protesters carried banners stating, “El-Rufai cannot hide behind politics, let the law catch up” and “Answer the charge, El-Rufai.”
El-Rufai had been abroad since November 30, 2025, traveling from Nigeria to Cairo, Egypt. The EFCC reportedly delivered a letter of invitation to his residence in December, prompting speculation that he could face arrest upon his return.
According to his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, security agents attempted to arrest El-Rufai upon his arrival at Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport last Thursday, but he refused to comply without a formal invitation. Adekeye also claimed that officials seized El-Rufai’s passport during the incident.
Speaking to BBC Hausa, El-Rufai described the airport encounter as “executive overreach and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law” and warned that he could be arrested at any moment, noting that several of his former aides have already been detained.
Investigations by the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission continue, including a probe initiated by his successor, Uba Sani, into his tenure as governor.
El-Rufai has consistently denied wrongdoing, accusing the federal government and the All Progressives Congress of political persecution. He has also intensified criticism of President Bola Tinubu, asserting that he was never an ally of the president.
The EFCC has not yet commented publicly on the developments, and further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.
