El-Rufai EFCC detention indicated after former Kaduna governor honoured anti-graft agency’s invitation amid fraud allegations

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may have detained former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, after he honoured an invitation from the anti-graft agency on Monday.

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Muyiwa Adekeye, media aide to the former governor, disclosed this in an update posted on his X handle late Monday. According to Adekeye, El-Rufai honoured the EFCC’s invitation and had what he described as “a frank and fruitful interaction” with officials of the commission.

He added that the former governor’s lawyer confirmed that EFCC operatives who interacted with El-Rufai were “entirely professional in their approach and conduct.”

However, Adekeye noted that El-Rufai “remains with the EFCC,” suggesting that he had not been allowed to leave the agency’s custody as of the time of the update.

Earlier reports indicated that El-Rufai was being questioned over alleged fraud during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.

A source within the commission was quoted as saying it was too early to determine how long the interrogation would last, while another source hinted at the possibility of court arraignment.

There was commotion ahead of El-Rufai’s arrival at the EFCC headquarters on Monday morning as two groups of protesters gathered at the venue. One group alleged that the former governor was being persecuted, while the other insisted that due process must be followed.

Muhammad Abdullahi, spokesperson for a group protesting against El-Rufai, maintained that the corruption allegations should not be trivialised or politicised.

“We reiterate our 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.

Responding, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, appealed for calm and assured protesters that their petition would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities within the commission.

“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.

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He added that the commission would handle all matters raised in a professional manner in line with its mandate.