Alleged N432 bn corruption case: Protesters storm EFCC headquarters, demand El-Rufai’s prosecution

The protesters with their banners

Some protesters on Monday stormed the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja, demanding a thorough probe into the alleged N432 billion corruption case involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The protesters, under the aegis of the Mega National Movement for Good Governance, converged on the anti-graft agency’s headquarters, chanting solidarity songs and wielding placards with inscriptions such as “Answer The Charges El-Rufai” and “El-Rufai Not Above The Law.”

Addressing journalists at the scene, the group’s spokesman, Muhammad Abdullahi, insisted that the corruption allegations against the former governor must not be trivialised or politicised.

He said: “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.

“It is a question of accountability and stewardship of public trust. The Kaduna State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee Report (2024) raised serious concerns regarding financial management, public debt profile, and contract procedures under the previous administration.

“It is also a matter of public record that some former appointees and close allies—including Jafaru Sani, Jimmy Lawal, Bashir Saidu, and Samuel Aruwa—are already in custody or undergoing investigation in connection with these allegations.”

Citing Section 15(5) of the Constitution, Abdullahi urged the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission to carry out a thorough, evidence-based and transparent investigation.

The protesters maintained that the issue was about lawful prosecution, not persecution, adding that El-Rufai should allow the judicial process to run its course in the interest of accountability and justice.