Vice President Atiku Abubakar has spoken about the arrest on Monday or former Kaduna State’s Governor Nasir El-Rufai by security operatives.
Protesters stormed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja, which had given the Monday appointment to Malam Nasir El-Rufai and later arrested him.
Posting about the episode on X Twitter on Monday, Atiku wrote:
“Happy Birthday to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, @elrufai. A man of intellect, courage, and uncommon sagacity. Even amid the present political persecution and needless distractions, his record of service and clarity of thought and purpose remain undeniable. I wish him strength, peace, and Allah’s guidance in the years ahead. -AA”
He was subsequently detained at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on Monday night after hours of interrogation over an alleged N432 billion corruption probe.
El-Rufai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, is also expected to face criminal prosecution over the alleged bugging of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu’s phone.
The former Governor, who arrived at the commission’s Jabi headquarters around 10am in response to an invitation, was grilled over allegations arising from the 2024 report of the Kaduna State House of Assembly which accused his administration of misappropriating loans, violating due process in contract awards and plunging the state into heavy debt.
The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the former Governor honoured the commission’s invitation but declined further comments on the nature of the interrogation or the next line of action.
While some of the protesters demonstrated in favour of the former Governor, others asked the anti-graft agency to grill him well.
However, there was a mild drama when some of the persons who accompanied El-Rufai were prevented from entering the commission’s office in Jabi, Abuja.
The former Governor honoured the invitation of the anti-graft agency as his counsel had said after the botched attempt to arrest him at Abuja airport, on Thursday.
Ubong Esop Akpan, counsel to the former governor of Kaduna, had said the EFCC invitation was received while El-Rufai was overseas.
“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.
”In response, we formally communicated with the EFCC on his behalf 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 said there was no basis for the attempted arrest, which ”infringes upon key constitutional provisions guaranteeing fundamental freedoms”.
“There exists no justifiable basis for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment. Despite prior intelligence of plans to effect this arrest, Malam El-Rufai proceeded with his return following medical treatment and rest abroad, publicly affirming his commitment to face any legitimate inquiry. This premeditated interception at the airport exemplifies lawlessness and an abuse of state power.”
“We demand the immediate and unconditional cessation of all unlawful efforts to detain Malam El-Rufai, the immediate return of his stolen passport, and a formal apology for this egregious infringement on his dignity and rights.”
