Protesters, El-Rufai Supporters Tear-Gassed at EFCC Headquarters
Tension escalated at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja on Monday as protesters and supporters of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai clashed, prompting security operatives to fire tear gas to disperse crowds.
El-Rufai arrived at the EFCC headquarters to honour an invitation linked to allegations of multi-billion-naira corruption during his tenure as governor. As news of his appearance spread, demonstrators gathered outside the EFCC gate, demanding accountability and urging anti-graft agencies to prosecute public officials suspected of corruption. Simultaneously, a group of El-Rufai supporters converged on the same location, defending the former governor and accusing security operatives of restricting their movement unfairly. The two groups came into close proximity, resulting in scuffles that escalated into the use of tear gas by security personnel. Videos circulating online showed thick smoke engulfing parts of the area as people scrambled for safety. Eyewitnesses said authorities maintained tight security perimeters and controlled access points to prevent the clashes from worsening. Anti-El-Rufai protesters remained near the gate, while supporters of the former governor were held back, which further inflamed tensions. The incident follows reports of a previous attempt by security operatives to detain El-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, which sparked widespread public debate. Political parties and civil society groups have condemned any perceived selective enforcement of anti-corruption investigations, warning that it could undermine democratic norms. At the time of reporting, the EFCC had not issued an official statement regarding the crowd control measures or the specifics of El-Rufai’s questioning. Social media footage continues to circulate, capturing the chaotic scenes outside the EFCC headquarters.
