The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday grilled a former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai over alleged fraud during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.
A leader of the African Democratic Congress, El-Rufai was said to have honoured an invitation by the commission, days after his legal team confirmed that he would present himself to investigators.
This was sequel to a failed attempt to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja last Thursday.
He was accompanied to the EFCC’s head office in Abuja by hundreds of his supporters.
A source at the commission confirmed that El-Rufai was being interrogated over corruption allegations levelled against his tenure as governor.
‘He is with our investigators, but cannot confirm how long he would be questioned, it is still early to know how long he will stay there’, the source said.
Another source hinted of the possibility of being taken to court for arraignment.
His counsel, Ubong Akpan had said that the EFCC invitation was received while the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory was overseas.
He said there was no basis for the attempted arrest, which infringes upon key constitutional provisions guaranteeing fundamental freedoms.
‘There exists no justifiable basis for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment’, he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there were two groups of protesters that stormed the EFCC headquarters on Monday.
While some chanted solidarity songs, others called for a thorough investigation.
However, there was a mild drama when some of the persons who accompanied El-Rufai were prevented from entering the commission’s office in Jabi, Abuja.
Spokesperson of the group protesting against El Rufai, Muhammad Abdullahi insisted that the corruption allegations against the former governor must not be trivialised or politicised.
‘We reiterate its 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 a mere political drama or emotional manipulation’, he said.
EFCC spokesperson, Mr. 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 in respect of any issue they feel so concerned about. 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 do its job professionally by attending to all the issues that you raised in your letter’, he said.
Source: NAN
