Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday presented himself at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja in response to an official invitation concerning corruption allegations tied to his time in office.
The summons, which was issued in December 2025, forms part of an ongoing investigation into claims of financial impropriety during his administration, including allegations involving approximately N432 billion.
The inquiry is being carried out in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, where the former governor is also scheduled to appear on Wednesday, February 18.
Members of his legal team had previously informed the EFCC that he would honour the invitation at 10 a.m., noting that he was out of the country when the original notice was delivered.
Tension briefly erupted outside the EFCC premises as supporters and critics of the former governor gathered at the scene. Security officials reportedly limited access to individuals accompanying him, while groups backing El-Rufai assembled near the entrance of the anti-graft agency, leading to a short-lived disturbance.
One supporter claimed that security operatives deployed teargas to disperse pro-El-Rufai demonstrators while permitting opposing protesters to remain in the vicinity. On the other hand, anti-El-Rufai protesters called on the commission to conduct what they described as a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the allegations of corruption connected to his tenure.
Some of the demonstrators also referenced his recent assertion that the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had been tapped.
The appearance at the EFCC comes shortly after reports that security agents attempted to detain the former governor at an airport upon his return from Egypt.
Subsequently, the Department of State Services confiscated his passport in relation to separate investigations, including matters linked to the 2019 disappearance of government critic Abubakar Idris, widely known as Dadiyata.
El-Rufai has consistently rejected all allegations against him, maintaining that the various investigations are driven by political motives rather than evidence of wrongdoing.
What you should know
Nasir El-Rufai honoured an EFCC invitation over alleged N432 billion corruption claims connected to his tenure as Kaduna State governor.
The probe is being conducted alongside the ICPC, and he is expected to appear before the commission later in the week.
Tension broke out at the EFCC headquarters between supporters and critics, while separate investigations have also led to the seizure of his passport.
He has denied any wrongdoing and described the investigations as politically motivated.
