EFCC quizzes El-Rufai over alleged N423bn fraud

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ABUJA – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday grilled former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged fraud said to have occurred during his tenure between 2015 and 2023.
El-Rufai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), honoured the commission’s invitation days after his legal team confirmed he would present himself for questioning.
His appearance followed a failed attempt to arrest him last Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The former governor arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja accompanied by hundreds of supporters.
A source within the commission confirmed that El-Rufai was being interrogated over corruption allegations linked to his administration in Kaduna State.
“He is with our investigators, but it is too early to determine how long the questioning will last,” the source said.
Another source indicated that arraignment in court could follow, depending on the outcome of the interrogation.
Counsel to the former governor, Ubong Akpan, disclosed that the EFCC invitation was received while his client was overseas. 
He maintained that there was no legal basis for the attempted arrest, describing it as a violation of constitutional provisions guaranteeing fundamental rights.
“There exists no justifiable basis for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment,” Akpan stated.
Meanwhile, two groups of protesters stormed the EFCC headquarters on Monday over the matter. 
While one group chanted solidarity songs in support of the former governor, another demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations.
There was mild drama at the commission’s office in Jabi, Abuja, when some supporters who accompanied El-Rufai were denied entry into the premises.
Muhammad Abdullahi, spokesperson for the group calling for his prosecution, insisted that the allegations must not be trivialised or politicised.
“We reiterate our 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 political theatre or emotional manipulation,” he said.
Responding, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale appealed for calm and assured the protesters that their petition would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities within the commission.
“The EFCC recognises the right of Nigerians to lawful protest on issues of concern. Your protest and demands will be communicated to the Executive Chairman accordingly.
“I want to assure you that the EFCC, as we know it, will discharge its responsibilities professionally by addressing all the issues raised in your letter,” Oyewale said.

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