The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja welcomed Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, on Monday in response to accusations made against him.
However, his appearance caused a tense situation at the anti-graft agency’s gate, as those in his entourage were allegedly refused entry by security personnel.
There was a brief commotion at the EFCC gate, according to reports, when supporters of the former governor congregated along the intersection that led to the commission’s headquarters.
An online video purports to show an El-Rufai fan accusing the EFCC of using tear gas to disperse their gathering while permitting anti-El-Rufai demonstrators to gather near the building.
The anti-El-Rufai demonstrators were observed urging the commission to look into the former governor’s role in corruption and his recent assertion that Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, had his phone tapped.
The EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), two anti-graft organizations, are presently looking into claims of corruption related to El-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna State governor.
The former governor has repeatedly denied any misconduct and called the inquiry “persecution with political motivations.”
El-Rufai’s successor, Uba Sani, began an investigation into the previous government in March 2024. At the Federal High Court, El-Rufai later contested the probe report’s findings.
An official announcement from the EFCC about his presence before the commission had not yet been released as of the time of publication.
