Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja over ongoing investigations into alleged corruption during his tenure.

His arrival reportedly sparked tension at the EFCC entrance, as security operatives restricted members of his entourage from entering the premises.

Supporters of the ex-governor gathered at the junction leading to the commission, chanting slogans and holding placards with inscriptions such as “El-Rufai is a citizen, not a subject” and “We stand with El-Rufai. We stand for law.”

A video circulating online showed the supporters alleging that the EFCC had dispersed them with teargas while allegedly allowing anti-El-Rufai protesters to assemble nearby.

The opposing group carried banners reading “El-Rufai cannot hide behind politics, let the law catch up” and smaller placards urging, “Answer the charge, El-Rufai.”

El-Rufai had earlier travelled abroad on November 30, 2025. According to sources, the EFCC delivered a letter of invitation to his residence in December, fuelling speculation that he could face arrest upon his return.

The former governor, an African Democratic Congress chieftain, had notified the commission that he would appear at their office by 10 am on Monday.

The former governor’s media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, claimed that security agents previously attempted to arrest El-Rufai on arrival at Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport from Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday

“Security agents today attempted to arrest Malam Nasir El-Rufai as he arrived on a flight from Cairo. Malam El-Rufai declined to follow them without a formal invitation,” Adekeye posted on X (formerly Twitter).

He also alleged that the officials seized the ex-governor’s passport during the encounter.

Speaking to BBC Hausa last Wednesday, El-Rufai described the airport incident as “executive overreach and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law”.

He warned that he could be arrested at any moment, noting that several of his former aides had already been detained.

Investigations by the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission reportedly continue, including a probe initiated by his successor, Uba Sani, into El-Rufai’s tenure.

The ex-governor has denied any wrongdoing, alleging persecution by the federal government and the All Progressives Congress.

El-Rufai has also intensified criticism of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party, asserting that he was never an ally of the president.