Hundreds of demonstrators on Monday stormed the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja, demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged ₦432 billion corruption case involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The protesters, under the aegis of the Mega National Movement for Good Governance, converged on the anti-graft agency’s office chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards with inscriptions such as “Answer The Charges El-Rufai” and “El-Rufai Not Above The Law.”
In a dramatic moment, the group attempted to march into the commission’s premises but were stopped by security operatives stationed at the entrance.
Addressing journalists, the group’s spokesman, Muhammad Abdullahi, said the corruption allegations must not be trivialised or politicised.
He insisted that the matter remained a lawful and constitutional issue between the former governor and the Kaduna State Government.
“It is a question of accountability and stewardship of public trust,” Abdullahi said.
He referenced the 2024 report of the Kaduna State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee, which reportedly raised concerns about financial management, public debt profile, and contract procedures under the previous administration.
According to him, some former appointees and close allies of El-Rufai — including Jafaru Sani, Jimmy Lawal, Bashir Saidu, and Samuel Aruwa — are already in custody or under investigation in connection with the allegations.
Citing Section 15(5) of the Constitution, Abdullahi urged the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and the EFCC to conduct a transparent and evidence-based investigation.
The protesters stressed that the issue was about prosecution, not persecution, and called on the former governor to allow due process to take its course.
“The courtroom remains the proper venue for vindication. If El-Rufai is confident in his integrity, he should allow the judicial process to run its full course,” Abdullahi added.
Responding to the demonstrators, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, appealed for calm and assured them that their petition would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
“The EFCC recognises the right of Nigerians to lawful protest. Your protest and demands will be communicated to the executive chairman accordingly,” Oyewale said.
He added that the commission would handle the matter professionally and in accordance with its procedures.
The protest comes amid heightened political tension surrounding alleged financial improprieties during El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure as governor.
All 28 members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly had reportedly endorsed a petition to the ICPC and EFCC seeking investigation into the alleged ₦432 billion fraud.
The demonstration also followed remarks by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who accused El-Rufai of portraying himself as a victim of political persecution to evade accountability.
In a post on X, Onanuga alleged that the former governor’s recent public comments were aimed at creating political tension and diverting attention from corruption allegations.
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Temitope Ajayi, accused El-Rufai of playing political games in a bid to remain relevant.
The unfolding developments have intensified debate over accountability, governance, and the rule of law in Kaduna State.
