Abuja witnessed a dramatic confrontation on Monday as supporters of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai clashed with security operatives at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters. The standoff occurred when El-Rufai arrived to honour the agency’s invitation over alleged corruption during his tenure.
The former governor arrived at EFCC headquarters around noon, accompanied by supporters who accused security personnel of blocking their access and deploying teargas. Meanwhile, groups critical of El-Rufai were reportedly allowed near the building.
One supporter, speaking in a video posted on X by The ICIR, said, “We came to support El-Rufai, only to see some people insulting and humiliating him for no reason. EFCC allowed them close to the headquarters but stopped us. This is not justice.”
As operatives dispersed the crowd, supporters vowed to return. “When it clears, we will come back. Today, you people will throw teargas until you are tired,” one vowed.
In another video shared by lauretta onochie from EFCC headquarter, she said what is going on here is a national disgrace, they are behaving as if they have been paid to protect the interest of one man in the nation.
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El-Rufai had earlier claimed that his attempted arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on February 12 by the Department of State Services (DSS) acting for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was politically motivated.
Confirming the EFCC invitation, he said, “The EFCC had written inviting me, and I was out of the country. My lawyer notified them of my return, and I will be there at 10 a.m. today.” He further claimed that the ICPC incident was directed by Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Advisor.
Accusing security agencies of partisanship, El-Rufai said, “Security agencies have been reduced to arms of a political party and a government that wants to remain in power at all costs.” He added that the episode had strengthened his resolve ahead of the 2027 general elections.
