The Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai has honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), days after his legal team confirmed that he would present himself to investigators following a failed attempt to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday.
The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), arrived at the headquarters of the anti-graft agency on Monday.
On arrival at the commission’s office in Abuja, protesters converged around the premises divided in their demands, with some demonstrating in support of el-Rufai, while others called on the anti-graft agency to subject him to a thorough investigation.
There was, however, mild drama when security operatives reportedly stopped some members of el-Rufai’s entourage from entering the EFCC premises.
The former governor later proceeded into the EFCC facility, while the protesters continued to demonstrate outside the gate.
In a series of interviews granted after the airport incident, El-Rufai accused the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, of orchestrating the attempted arrest.
Background:
Security operatives reportedly attempted to arrest Mr El-Rufai on 12 February at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, immediately after he arrived from Cairo, Egypt.
His media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, posted on X that the former governor declined to accompany the agents, insisting he had not received a formal invitation for questioning.
Video footage showed supporters chanting solidarity songs and forming a protective ring around him.
Mr El-Rufai later alleged that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, ordered the attempted arrest and that Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the ICPC chairman were also involved.
Mr El-Rufai travelled abroad on 30 November 2025 after attending social engagements in Lagos.
During his absence, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly delivered an invitation letter to his residence in December, fuelling speculation that he could face arrest upon his return.
Sources confirmed he was expected in Abuja within 48 hours and had notified the EFCC that he would appear at their office on 16 February.
In 2023, Mr El-Rufai returned from travel after being nominated as a minister by President Tinubu, a nomination that the Senate reportedly declined over a security report.
He left the APC in 2025 for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and has since become a vocal critic of the government.
In March 2024, his successor, Uba Sani, initiated a probe into his administration, which Mr El-Rufai challenged at the Federal High Court. Both the EFCC and ICPC are investigating multiple corruption allegations linked to his tenure, all of which he has denied, claiming political persecution.
