He Is With Our Investigators’ – EFCC Source Speaks On El-Rufai
He Is With Our Investigators’ – EFCC Source Speaks On El-Rufai
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday questioned former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged acts of corruption during his administration from 2015 to 2023.
According to Ireporter Online, the former governor, who is a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), honoured an invitation extended to him by the anti-graft agency after his legal representatives confirmed his readiness to appear for interrogation.
The questioning reportedly followed an unsuccessful attempt by operatives to effect his arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport last Thursday. On Monday, El-Rufai arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, accompanied by a large crowd of supporters.
A senior official within the commission disclosed to journalists that the former governor was being interrogated over allegations tied to financial dealings during his tenure in Kaduna State. The source stated that he was currently with investigators but declined to indicate how long the session would last, noting that it was too early to determine the duration of his stay. Another insider suggested that arraignment could follow, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Reacting to the development, El-Rufai’s counsel, Ubong Akpan, criticised the commission’s actions, describing the earlier attempted arrest as unwarranted. He maintained that the invitation was received while his client was outside the country and argued that there was no legal basis for what he termed an infringement on his client’s constitutional rights.
El-Rufai has consistently denied any wrongdoing, previously characterising investigations into his administration as politically driven.
The former governor’s appearance at the EFCC headquarters triggered protests at the premises, with two opposing groups staging demonstrations. While one faction expressed solidarity with him through chants, another called for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations. Tensions briefly flared when some members of his entourage were reportedly denied access into the commission’s facility.
Muhammad Abdullahi, who spoke on behalf of a group demanding accountability, emphasised that the matter remained a lawful and constitutional issue between El-Rufai and the Kaduna State Government. He cautioned against politicising the case or reducing it to emotional theatrics.
In response, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, appealed for calm and assured protesters that their submissions would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities. He reiterated the commission’s commitment to upholding professionalism and due process in handling all petitions and allegations brought before it.
