By Muhammad Mamman
Tension mounted in Nigeria’s capital on Monday as protesters converged outside the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following the arrival of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai for questioning.
Witnesses said small but vocal groups assembled early in the day, chanting slogans and holding placards both in support of and against the former governor, underscoring Nigeria’s deepening political divisions and growing public concern over accountability among political elites.
Security operatives were deployed in large numbers around the EFCC premises to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order. Traffic was partially restricted in surrounding areas as authorities sought to manage the crowd.
El-Rufai, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape and a former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, arrived at the anti-graft agency amid reports that investigators are probing allegations linked to financial dealings during his eight-year tenure as Kaduna State governor. The EFCC has not publicly detailed the nature of the investigation.
The development comes at a time when President Bola Tinubu’s administration is under mounting pressure to demonstrate seriousness in its anti-corruption drive, as Nigerians grapple with soaring inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and a weakening naira that have pushed millions deeper into economic hardship.
Civil society groups say the case highlights long-standing demands for transparency and equal treatment under the law.
“Public confidence in governance depends on whether anti-corruption institutions act independently and decisively, regardless of political status,” said one Abuja-based rights activist, who asked not to be named.
Supporters of El-Rufai, however, described the probe as politically motivated, while critics argued that no public official should be above scrutiny.
The EFCC has yet to issue an official statement on El-Rufai’s appearance, but the agency said investigations into alleged financial misconduct are ongoing.
