Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja on Monday amid ongoing investigations into alleged corruption during his time in office.
His arrival reportedly caused a tension at the EFCC entrance, with security personnel preventing members of his entourage from entering the premises.
Supporters of the former governor gathered at the junction leading to the commission, chanting slogans and holding placards with inscriptions such as “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 had dispersed them with teargas while allegedly allowing anti-El-Rufai protesters to assemble nearby.
The opposing group carried banners reading “El-Rufai cannot hide behind politics, let the law catch up” and smaller placards urging, “Answer the charge, El-Rufai.”
El-Rufai had earlier traveled abroad on November 30, 2025. Sources say the EFCC delivered a letter of invitation to his residence in December, sparking speculation that he might face arrest upon his return.
The former governor, an African Democratic Congress chieftain, had informed the commission that he would appear at their office by 10 am on Monday.
The former governor’s media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, alleged that security agents had previously attempted to arrest El-Rufai when he arrived at Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport 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 (formerly Twitter).
He further alleged that the officials seized the ex-governor’s passport during the incident.
In an interview with BBC Hausa last Wednesday, El-Rufai described the airport incident as “executive overreach and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law”.
He warned that he could be arrested at any time, noting that several of his former aides had already been detained.
Investigations by the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission reportedly ongoing, including a probe launched by his successor, Uba Sani, into El-Rufai’s tenure.
The former governor has denied any wrongdoing, claiming he is being persecuted by the federal government and the All Progressives Congress.
El-Rufai has also stepped up his criticism of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party, insisting that he was never an ally of the president.
