Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over allegations levelled against him.
His arrival, however, triggered tension at the entrance of the anti-graft agency as security operatives reportedly denied members of his entourage access to the premises.
9news Nigeria gathered that the development sparked brief chaos at the EFCC gate, as supporters of the former governor gathered around the junction leading to the commission’s headquarters.
In a video circulating online, one of El-Rufai’s supporters accused the EFCC of dispersing their group with teargas while allegedly allowing anti-El-Rufai protesters to assemble close to the premises.
The anti-El-Rufai protesters were seen calling on the commission to thoroughly investigate the former governor over corruption allegations linked to his tenure, as well as his recent claim that the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was tapped.
Anti-graft agencies, including the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), are currently investigating corruption allegations connected to El-Rufai’s administration as governor of Kaduna State.
The former governor has consistently denied any wrongdoing, describing the investigations as politically motivated persecution.
In March 2024, El-Rufai’s successor, Uba Sani, initiated a probe into the previous administration. El-Rufai subsequently challenged the outcome of the probe report at the Federal High Court.
As of press time, the EFCC had yet to issue an official statement regarding his appearance before the commission.
