El-Rufai arrives EFCC’s office as supporters, opponents clash in Abuja

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Monday appeared at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over ongoing investigations linked to alleged corruption during his time in office.

His arrival triggered tension around the commission’s premises, as security operatives reportedly barred members of his entourage from entering the facility.

Supporters of the former governor gathered near the junction leading to the EFCC office, chanting slogans and displaying placards reading, “El-Rufai is a citizen, not a subject” and “We stand with El-Rufai. We stand for law.”

Videos circulating online showed the supporters accusing security agents of dispersing them with teargas while allowing a separate group of anti-El-Rufai protesters to assemble nearby. The opposing demonstrators carried banners urging him to face the allegations, with messages such as, “El-Rufai cannot hide behind politics, let the law catch up,” and “Answer the charge, El-Rufai.”

Sources said the former governor had travelled abroad on November 30, 2025, and that the EFCC later delivered a letter of invitation to his residence in December, fueling speculation about a possible arrest upon his return. El-Rufai had formally notified the commission of his intention to appear at its office by 10 a.m. on Monday.

His media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, alleged that security officials earlier attempted to arrest the ex-governor upon arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from Cairo, Egypt, last Thursday. According to him, El-Rufai declined to comply without a formal invitation and his passport was temporarily seized.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai described the airport incident as “executive overreach” and a violation of due process, adding that he feared he could be detained at any time. He noted that some of his former aides had already been arrested.

Investigations by the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission are reportedly ongoing, including a probe initiated by his successor, Uba Sani, into activities during his administration.

El-Rufai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, has denied any wrongdoing, alleging that the investigations are politically motivated. He has also stepped up criticism of Bola Tinubu and the ruling party, maintaining that he was never aligned with the president.