Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja in response to an invitation to probe the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption during his tenure in office.
Heavy security presence was seen upon his arrival at the anti-corruption agency's Zabi headquarters on Monday, as activists banned members of his entourage from entering the premises.
The development led to tension at the entrance of the commission, where supporters of the former governor had gathered earlier in the day.
Supporters gathered at the junction leading to the EFCC office, chanting slogans and displaying placards that read, “El-Rufai is a citizen, not a subject” and “We stand with El-Rufai. We stand for the law.”
Videos circulating on social media showed the crowd singing solidarity songs while accusing the EFCC of political bias.
Some supporters alleged that security personnel used teargas to disperse them, while an opposition group was allowed to gather nearby.
Counter-protesters held banners with the message, “El-Rufai cannot hide behind politics, let the law take hold,” and small placards that urged the former governor to “answer to the charges, El-Rufai.”
There was no immediate official confirmation from the EFCC regarding the allegations of teargas use.
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African Democratic Congress (ADC) chief El-Rufai had earlier visited the country on November 30, 2025.
It was revealed that the EFCC had served an invitation letter to his residence in December, leading to speculation that he could face arrest upon his return to Nigeria.
According to aides, the former governor formally informed the commission that he would be present in its office by 10 am on Monday.
Last week, his media adviser, Muyiwa Adeke, alleged that security agents attempted to arrest El-Rufai upon his arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from Cairo, Egypt.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Adeke claimed that the former governor refused to accompany the workers without a formal invitation letter. He further alleged that officers confiscated El-Rufai's passport during the encounter.
On his X account last Thursday, El-Rufai described the airport episode as “executive overreach and deliberate disregard for the rule of law.”
He also warned that he could be arrested at any time, noting that several of his former colleagues had already been detained.
El-Rufai's administration is reportedly being investigated by both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).
The investigation is said to include a review initiated by his successor, Governor Uba Sani, into financial and administrative decisions taken during El-Rufai's tenure in Kaduna State.
Although details of the specific allegations remain unclear, sources familiar with the matter say the investigation focuses on contracts and financial transactions executed under the previous administration.
El-Rufai has consistently denied any wrongdoing, saying he is being persecuted for political reasons, accusing the federal government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of targeting him.
