Hundreds of protesters stormed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja on Monday, demanding an investigation into the alleged N432 billion corruption case involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Protesters from the Mega National Movement for Good Governance gathered before the anti-graft agency’s headquarters, screaming solidarity songs and holding placards with slogans such as “Answer The Charges, El-Rufai” and “El-Rufai Is Not Above The Law.”
In a dramatic turn, the group made spirited attempts to march into the commission’s premises but were stopped by stern-looking security operatives stationed at the entrance
Addressing journalists at the scene, the group’s spokesman, Muhammad Abdullahi, insisted that the corruption allegations against the former governor must not be trivialized or politicized.
Muhammad Abdullahi, the group’s spokesperson, told reporters on the scene that the accusations of corruption against the former governor must not be made into a political or inconsequential issue.
He said, “We reiterate its 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.
“It is a question of accountability and stewardship of public trust. The Kaduna State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee Report (2024) raised serious concerns regarding financial management, public debt profile, and contract procedures under the previous administration.
“It is also a matter of public record that some former appointees and close allies—including Jafaru Sani, Jimmy Lawal, Bashir Saidu, and Samuel Aruwa—are already in custody or undergoing investigation in connection with these allegations.”
Abdullahi requested the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and evidence-based investigation, citing Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
The demonstrators insisted that the matter was one of legitimate prosecution rather than persecution, and they added that El-Rufai ought to let the legal system function for the sake of justice and accountability.
“If those who served in that administration are subjecting themselves to due process, it is only proper that the former governor does the same without politicizing the process.
“In line with this constitutional provision, we call on the relevant anti-graft agencies—particularly the EFCC and the ICPC—to do the needful by diligently and transparently continuing their investigations in accordance with constitutional provisions and the rule of law. The process must be thorough, evidence-driven, and free from external interference.
“We emphasize that this is not about persecution; it is about prosecution grounded in law. 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. Let integrity, not rhetoric, determine the outcome,” Abdullahi stated.
Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC, responded by urging composure and promising the demonstrators that their petition will be sent to the relevant commission officials.
He said, “The EFCC recognizes 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. I also want to encourage you to continue to be peaceful in the exercise of your right because that is what democracy is all about.
“As far as the EFCC is concerned, the right thing will be done. Our processes and procedures will be followed, and Nigerians will see that we have actually acquainted ourselves very well with this issue. All your grievances will be communicated to the appropriate quarters.”
The protest takes place while political tensions over the purported financial irregularities under El-Rufai’s eight years as Kaduna State governor are at an all-time high.
Following the unanimous endorsement of a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and the EFCC by all 28 members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, the former governor is currently the subject of an N432 billion corruption investigation.
The protest also came after Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made a statement in which he charged that El-Rufai had exploited the pretext of political persecution to avoid responsibility.
In a statement on his X handle on Monday morning, Onanuga said the former governor’s recent public outbursts were calculated attempts to create political tension and divert attention from corruption allegations in Kaduna State.
“One, to create political tension in the country, create an atmosphere of fear and unrest, and then damage the government through deliberate misinformation.
“Two, to divert attention from his domestic problems in Kaduna State, where he is facing massive corruption allegations,” he said.
He added, “To draw attention to himself and project himself as a victim of persecution, he wants to nationalize his personal problems with his home state government, knowing that Nigerians will not be on his side over corruption charges.”
In the same vein, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Temitope Ajayi, had earlier accused El-Rufai of playing political games and likened him to “a drowning man holding on to a straw” in a bid to remain politically relevant.
