The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday interrogated former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged corruption during his tenure between 2015 and 2023.
Naija News reports that El-Rufai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was said to have honoured an invitation by the anti-graft agency days after his legal team confirmed he would present himself for questioning.
The development followed a failed attempt to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday.
On Monday, the former governor arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, accompanied by hundreds of supporters.
A source within the commission confirmed to The Nation that he was being grilled over corruption allegations linked to his administration in Kaduna State.
“He is with our investigators, but I cannot confirm how long he would be questioned. It is still early to know how long he will stay there,” the source said.
Another source hinted at the possibility of an arraignment, depending on the outcome of the interrogation.
Counsel Kicks, Alleges Rights Violation
Counsel to El-Rufai, Ubong Akpan, said the EFCC invitation was received while his client was overseas and described the attempted arrest as unjustified.
“There exists no justifiable basis for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment,” Akpan said, arguing that the move infringed on constitutional provisions guaranteeing fundamental freedoms.
El-Rufai has consistently denied wrongdoing and described previous investigations into his tenure as politically motivated.
Monday’s appearance sparked demonstrations at the EFCC headquarters, as two groups of protesters stormed the premises.
While one group chanted solidarity songs in support of the former governor, another demanded a thorough probe into the allegations against him.
There was mild drama when some members of El-Rufai’s entourage were prevented from entering the commission’s office.
Muhammad Abdullahi, spokesperson for a group protesting against the former governor, urged the EFCC not to trivialise the allegations.
“We reiterate our firm position that the ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, remains a lawful and constitutional matter strictly between him and the Government of Kaduna State.
“This issue should not be reduced to a mere political drama or emotional manipulation,” he said.
EFCC Assures Of Professional Probe
Responding to the demonstrators, 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 in respect of any issue they feel so concerned about. Your protest and demands will be communicated to the executive chairman accordingly.
“I want to assure you that the EFCC, as we know it, will do its job professionally by attending to all the issues that you raised in your letter,” he said.
