Protesters storm EFCC office, demand ‘thorough’ probe of El-Rufai over N432bn allegations

Protesters storm EFCC office, demand ‘thorough’ probe of El-Rufai over N432bn allegations

Pressure mounted on Nigeria’s anti-graft authorities Monday as protesters gathered outside the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, demanding intensified investigation into an alleged N432 billion corruption case linked to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Operating under the banner of the Mega National Movement for Good Governance, demonstrators arrived at the commission’s premises chanting solidarity songs and holding placards that read, “Answer The Charges El-Rufai” and “El-Rufai Not Above The Law.”

Addressing journalists at the protest ground, the group’s spokesman, Muhammad Abdullahi, warned against framing the matter as partisan persecution.

“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,” he said.

Describing the allegations as weighty, Abdullahi pointed to the 2024 report of the Kaduna State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee, which, according to him, raised concerns over financial management, public debt and contract procedures during the previous administration.

“It is a question of accountability and stewardship of public trust,” he added.

He also noted 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.”

Citing Section 15(5) of the Constitution, the group urged both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to pursue what it described as a transparent and comprehensive investigation.

“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 politicising the process,” Abdullahi said.

“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 emphasise 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.”

Responding on behalf of the commission, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale acknowledged the demonstrators’ right to peaceful protest and assured them their petition would reach 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,” Oyewale said.

“I want to assure you that the EFCC, as we know i,t 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 comes amid heightened political tension surrounding alleged financial improprieties during El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure in Kaduna State.

The former governor is currently facing a N432bn corruption probe after all 28 members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly unanimously endorsed a petition to the ICPC and the EFCC.