Hundreds of protesters on Monday gathered at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, calling for a comprehensive investigation into alleged financial improprieties amounting to ₦432 billion linked to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The demonstrators, operating under the banner of the Mega National Movement for Good Governance, marched to the anti-graft agency’s office while chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards demanding accountability and justice. Security operatives prevented the group from gaining access to the premises as tensions briefly escalated.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, spokesperson Muhammad Abdullahi stressed that the allegations should be treated strictly as a matter of accountability and not reduced to political theatrics. He maintained that the issue is rooted in governance and public trust, pointing to findings from a 2024 report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee, which highlighted concerns over financial management, rising public debt, and contract awards during the previous administration.
Abdullahi further noted that several former officials who served under the administration are already facing investigation or are in custody, arguing that the former governor should also submit himself to due process without politicising the matter. He urged both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to conduct a transparent, evidence-based investigation in line with constitutional provisions.
The group emphasised that their demand was for lawful prosecution rather than persecution, insisting that the courts remain the appropriate forum for determining innocence or guilt. According to them, allowing the judicial process to run its course would strengthen public confidence in anti-corruption efforts.
In response, the EFCC assured the protesters that their petition would be reviewed and forwarded to the appropriate authorities within the commission. The agency reiterated its commitment to professionalism, due process, and respect for citizens’ rights to peaceful protest.
The demonstration comes amid growing political tension over allegations tied to El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure as governor of Kaduna State. The case gained further momentum after all 28 members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly reportedly endorsed petitions calling for investigations by anti-graft agencies.
Senior government officials have also weighed in, accusing the former governor of attempting to frame the investigation as political persecution in order to deflect attention from the corruption allegations. They argued that recent public statements attributed to him were designed to stir political tension and shift focus away from accountability issues in Kaduna State.
As investigations continue, the case has become a focal point in Nigeria’s broader anti-corruption debate, with civil society groups insisting that no individual should be considered above the law.
