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The atmosphere around the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja turned charged on Monday as rival groups of protesters gathered over the questioning of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, arrived at the commission’s Jabi office in the company of supporters after honouring an invitation from investigators probing alleged corruption during his administration. His appearance followed reports of an unsuccessful attempt to arrest him last Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
While hundreds of supporters accompanied him to the anti-graft agency’s headquarters, security operatives restricted access to the building, preventing many from entering the premises. The development sparked a brief standoff outside the office complex.
Inside, EFCC officials began interrogating the former governor over allegations linked to his eight-year tenure. A source within the commission confirmed that El-Rufai was with investigators but declined to state how long the session would last. There were also indications that the probe could lead to formal charges, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
The former governor’s legal representative, Ubong Akpan, had earlier criticised the attempted airport arrest, describing it as unconstitutional and lacking justification. According to him, the EFCC invitation was received while El-Rufai was outside the country, and arrangements were subsequently made for him to appear before the commission.
Outside the EFCC office, two groups of demonstrators expressed sharply different views. One group sang solidarity songs in support of the former governor, while another demanded accountability and urged authorities not to politicise the matter.
Speaking for the anti-El-Rufai protesters, Muhammad Abdullahi maintained that the allegations should be treated strictly as a legal issue. He emphasised that the matter concerns the former governor and the Kaduna State Government and should not be turned into political theatre.
Responding to the demonstrators, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale called for calm, assuring them that their petitions would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities within the commission. He reiterated that the agency remains committed to handling all cases professionally and in accordance with the law.
As investigations continue, the unfolding events underscore rising political tensions surrounding anti-corruption efforts and the legal scrutiny of former public office holders.