Dare Babalola
Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in Abuja, marching to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters, demanding a comprehensive investigation into alleged corruption involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, to the tune of N432 billion.
Protesters from the Mega National Movement for Good Governance gathered at the EFCC headquarters on Monday, chanting and holding placards that read “Answer The Charges El-Rufai” and “El-Rufai Not Above The Law”, demanding accountability over the alleged N432 billion corruption case.
The protesters, in a tense standoff, tried to breach the EFCC gates, but were blocked by security personnel stationed at the entrance.
Speaking to journalists, the group’s spokesman Muhammad Abdullahi emphasised that the corruption allegations against El-Rufai should not be downplayed or politicised.
He said, “We reiterate its 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.
“It is a question of accountability and stewardship of public trust. The Kaduna State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee Report (2024) raised serious concerns regarding financial management, public debt profile, and contract procedures under the previous administration.
“It is also a matter of public record that some former appointees and close allies—including Jafaru Sani, Jimmy Lawal, Bashir Saidu, and Samuel Aruwa—are already in custody or undergoing investigation in connection with these allegations.”
Abdullahi cited Section 15(5) of the Constitution, urging the EFCC and ICPC to conduct a thorough, transparent, and evidence-based probe into the allegations.
The protesters insisted the issue was about lawful prosecution, not persecution, saying El-Rufai should let the judicial process play out for accountability and justice.
“If those who served in that administration are subjecting themselves to due process, it is only proper that the former governor does the same without politicising the process.
“In line with this constitutional provision, we call on the relevant anti-graft agencies—particularly the EFCC and the ICPC—to do the needful by diligently and transparently continuing their investigations in accordance with constitutional provisions and the rule of law. The process must be thorough, evidence-driven, and free from external interference.
“We emphasise that this is not about persecution; it is about prosecution grounded in law. The courtroom remains the proper venue for vindication. If El-Rufai is confident in his integrity, he should allow the judicial process to run its full course. Let integrity, not rhetoric, determine the outcome,” Abdullahi stated.
Responding, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, appealed for calm and assured the protesters that their petition would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities within the commission.
He said, “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.
“I want to assure you that the EFCC, as we know i,t will do its job professionally by attending to all the issues that you raised in your letter. I also want to encourage you to continue to be peaceful in the exercise of your right because that is what democracy is all about.
“As far as the EFCC is concerned, the right thing will be done. Our processes and procedures will be followed, and Nigerians will see that we have actually acquainted ourselves very well with this issue. All your grievances will be communicated to the appropriate quarters.”
The protest comes amid heightened political tension surrounding the alleged financial improprieties during El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
The former governor is currently facing a N432bn corruption probe after all 28 members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly unanimously endorsed a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and the EFCC.
The demonstration also followed a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who accused El-Rufai of portraying himself as a victim of political persecution to evade accountability.
In a post on his X handle on Monday morning, Onanuga said the former governor’s recent public outbursts were calculated attempts to create political tension and divert attention from corruption allegations in Kaduna State.
“One, to create political tension in the country, create an atmosphere of fear and unrest, and then damage the government through deliberate misinformation.
“Two, to divert attention from his domestic problems in Kaduna State, where he is facing massive corruption allegations,” he said.
He added, “To draw attention to himself and project himself as a victim of persecution, he wants to nationalise his personal problems with his home state government, knowing that Nigerians will not be on his side over corruption charges.”
