Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arriving at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja amid protest by his supporters.
A group of demonstrators gathered outside the EFCC office in Jabi ahead of El-Rufai’s arrival, staging a protest in solidarity with the former governor and chanting slogans in his support.
In a viral video circulating on social media, El-Rufai, dressed in traditional attire, was seen exchanging pleasantries with supporters as he arrived at the anti-graft agency’s premises. However, mild drama ensued when some individuals who accompanied him were denied entry into the EFCC office.
El-Rufai’s appearance followed assurances by his legal team that he would voluntarily respond to the agency’s invitation after returning from an overseas trip. His counsel, Ubong Esop Akpan, had earlier confirmed that the EFCC invitation was received while the former governor was abroad.
“The invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was delivered to Malam El-Rufai’s residence while he was already abroad, rendering it inherently illogical and impractical to demand immediate attendance,” Akpan said in a statement.
He added that the legal team had formally notified the EFCC of El-Rufai’s intention to appear upon his return, stating that the former governor would present himself at the commission’s office at 10 a.m. on February 16, 2026.
“Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” Akpan said.
The counsel also criticised the reported attempt to arrest El-Rufai at the Abuja airport last week, describing it as unconstitutional and an abuse of state power.
“There exists no justifiable basis for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment,” he said, adding that the action “infringes upon key constitutional provisions guaranteeing fundamental freedoms.”
Akpan further demanded the return of El-Rufai’s passport and a formal apology from the authorities over what he described as an infringement on his client’s rights and dignity.
The EFCC has yet to issue an official statement on the matter as of the time of filing this report.
