El-Rufai denies any wrongdoing, accuses the Nigerian government and the ruling All Progressives Congress of political persecution....

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Monday visited the headquarters of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency in Abuja over ongoing investigations into alleged corruption during his tenure in office.

El-Rufai arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after notifying the commission he would appear by 10 a.m., according to his media adviser.

Security operatives restricted members of his entourage from entering the premises, prompting supporters of the former governor to gather near the commission’s entrance. Some chanted slogans and held placards reading, “El-Rufai is a citizen, not a subject” and “We stand with El-Rufai. We stand for law.”

Videos circulating on social media showed supporters alleging they were dispersed with teargas, while an opposing group assembled nearby carrying banners that read, “El-Rufai cannot hide behind politics, let the law catch up,” and “Answer the charge, El-Rufai.”

El-Rufai, who travelled abroad on November 30, 2025, was said to have been sent a letter of invitation by the EFCC in December, fueling speculation that he could face arrest upon his return.

His media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, said on social media platform X that security agents attempted to arrest El-Rufai upon his arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from Cairo on Thursday, but that the former governor declined to accompany them without a formal invitation. Adekeye also alleged that officials seized El-Rufai’s passport during the encounter.

The EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are investigating El-Rufia including a probe initiated by his successor, Uba Sani, into his administration.

He has also publicly criticised President Bola Tinubu, saying he was never an ally of the president.

The EFCC has not yet issued a public statement on Monday’s development.