Some protesters on Monday marched to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja. They demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged N432 billion corruption case involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The demonstrators, organised under the Mega National Movement for Good Governance, chanted solidarity songs and carried placards reading “Answer the Charges, El-Rufai” and “El-Rufai Not Above the Law”.
The group’s spokesman, Muhammad Abdullahi, told journalists that the allegations must not be politicised or trivialised.
“We reiterate that the ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai remains a lawful and constitutional matter between him and the Government of Kaduna State. This issue should not become political drama or emotional manipulation,” Abdullahi said.
He called the case a matter of accountability and stewardship of public trust. He cited the Kaduna State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee Report (2024), which raised concerns about financial management, public debt, and contract procedures under El-Rufai’s administration.
“Some former appointees and close allies, including Jafaru Sani, Jimmy Lawal, Bashir Saidu, and Samuel Aruwa, are already under investigation or in custody,” he added.
Calls for Transparent Investigations
Citing Section 15(5) of the Constitution, Abdullahi urged the EFCC and the ICPC to carry out a transparent, evidence-based investigation.
“If those who served in that administration are undergoing due process, the former governor should do the same without politicising the process. This is not about persecution; it is about lawful prosecution. The courtroom is 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,” he said.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale addressed the protesters, urging calm. He assured them that the commission would forward their petition to the appropriate authorities.
“The EFCC recognises the right of Nigerians to lawful protest. We will communicate your demands to the executive chairman. The EFCC will attend to all the issues raised in your letter and follow our processes professionally,” Oyewale said.
He encouraged continued peaceful protest. “As far as the EFCC is concerned, the right thing will be done. Your grievances will reach the appropriate quarters. Exercise your democratic rights peacefully because that is what democracy is about.”
The protest comes amid heightened scrutiny of alleged financial mismanagement during El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure as Kaduna State governor.
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He currently faces investigation over N432 billion in alleged corruption after all 28 members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly unanimously endorsed a petition to the ICPC and EFCC.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
