Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja for questioning, amid protests by supporters and critics at the agency’s Jabi office.
El-Rufai’s arrival followed an invitation reportedly sent to him by the EFCC in December 2025. His legal team had earlier confirmed that he would honour the summons after returning to Nigeria.
Tension gripped the commission’s premises as two opposing groups of demonstrators gathered outside the gate. One group demanded a thorough investigation and prosecution of the former governor over alleged financial impropriety, carrying placards with inscriptions such as, “No one is above the law,” and “Let the law catch up.”
Another group, identifying themselves as El-Rufai’s supporters, staged a counter protest, displaying banners that read, “El-Rufai is a citizen not a suspect,” and “We stand with El-Rufai.”
Some of the supporters accused security agencies of bias, alleging they were prevented from approaching the EFCC gate while anti El-Rufai protesters were allowed closer access.
Security operatives were heavily deployed around the complex, mounting barricades and restricting movement to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Armed personnel were stationed at strategic points, while entry into the premises was tightly controlled. Witnesses reported mild drama when some members of El-Rufai’s entourage were denied access into the facility.
At a point, tensions rose further as EFCC officers were alleged to have attempted to disperse pro El-Rufai protesters using dogs and tear gas.
Earlier, there had been reports that security operatives attempted to arrest El-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport upon his return from Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, February 12. His counsel, Ubong Esop Akpan, described the attempted arrest as unlawful and arbitrary.
Akpan stated that the EFCC’s invitation was delivered to El-Rufai’s residence while he was overseas, making immediate compliance impractical.
According to him, the legal team formally communicated with the commission in December 2025, assuring that the former governor would present himself upon his return.
He added that the EFCC was explicitly notified that El-Rufai would voluntarily appear at the commission’s office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
The counsel maintained that there was no legal basis for the attempted arrest, describing it as an infringement on constitutional rights and an abuse of state power. He also called for the immediate return of El-Rufai’s passport and a formal apology.
El-Rufai was later seen exchanging pleasantries with supporters before proceeding into the EFCC facility, while demonstrators continued their protest outside.
The development has sparked renewed public debate over accountability and the treatment of public office holders, with many Nigerians calling for transparent investigations and equal application of the law regardless of political status.
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