Updated: El-Rufai arrives EFCC headquarters

Former Kaduna State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Nasiru El-Rufai, on Monday honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

El-Rufai, who faces questioning over alleged corruption during his tenure as governor, arrived the EFCC headquarters in Abuja accompanied by hundreds of supporters.

The development follows last week’s dramatic incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where the former governor reportedly resisted arrest. In interviews following the airport episode, El-Rufai accused National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu of orchestrating the attempted arrest.

Ubong Esop Akpan, counsel to El-Rufai, said the EFCC invitation was received while the former governor was overseas. According to him, demanding immediate compliance from someone outside the country was “inherently illogical and impractical” and undermined procedural fairness.

“The invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was delivered to Malam El-Rufai’s residence while he was already abroad, rendering it inherently illogical and impractical to demand immediate attendance to answer purported allegations. Such an approach defies reason, as it presumes instantaneous compliance from an individual outside the jurisdiction, without regard for logistical realities or legal fairness,” Akpan said.

He added that the former governor had formally communicated with the EFCC since December 2025, assuring compliance upon his return. “Yesterday, we explicitly notified them that he would voluntarily appear at their office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, specifying the precise place and time for addressing the invitation. Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” he added.

Akpan insisted there was no legal basis for the attempted arrest, which he said “infringes upon key constitutional provisions guaranteeing fundamental freedoms.” He called for the immediate cessation of all efforts to detain El-Rufai, the return of his passport, and a formal apology for the alleged infringement of his rights.