Hundreds of demonstrators on Monday converged on the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja, demanding a comprehensive investigation into the alleged N432 billion corruption case involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Grassroots Parrot reports.
The protest, organised by the Mega National Movement for Good Governance, saw participants chanting solidarity slogans and carrying placards reading “Answer The Charges El-Rufai” and “El-Rufai Not Above The Law.”
Attempts to march into the EFCC premises were blocked by security personnel stationed at the entrance.
Speaking to journalists, the group’s spokesman, Muhammad Abdullahi, emphasised that the matter should be treated as a lawful prosecution rather than politicised drama.
“We reiterate that the ongoing investigation of El-Rufai is a constitutional matter between him and the Kaduna State Government. This is about accountability and public trust, not political theatrics,” Abdullahi said.
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He cited the Kaduna State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee Report (2024), which raised concerns over financial management, public debt, and contract procedures during El-Rufai’s tenure.
Abdullahi also noted that several former aides and allies, including Jafaru Sani, Jimmy Lawal, Bashir Saidu, and Samuel Aruwa, are either in custody or under investigation.
Urging the EFCC and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission to conduct a transparent, evidence-based probe, he stressed,
“If other former officials are subject to due process, the former governor should also comply without politicising the process. This is about prosecution under the law, not persecution.”
Responding, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale called for calm and assured that the petition would be forwarded to the commission’s executive chairman.
He added, “We recognise the right to lawful protest. Your grievances will be communicated, and the EFCC will follow due process to ensure transparency.”
Observers at the scene noted that some of the demonstrators appeared to be underage, including teenagers holding placards and joining chants alongside adult protesters.
The protest occurs amid heightened political tension over alleged financial mismanagement during El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure.
The former governor faces scrutiny after all 28 members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly endorsed a petition to the EFCC and ICPC.
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The demonstration also followed a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, accusing El-Rufai of attempting to portray himself as a victim to evade accountability.
He described El-Rufai’s actions as a bid to create political tension and divert attention from corruption allegations in Kaduna State.
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Temitope Ajayi, likened El-Rufai to “a drowning man holding on to a straw,” suggesting he is playing political games to remain relevant.