EFCC Faces Ultimatum to Arrest El-Rufai Over Alleged N423 Billion Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been issued a 72-hour ultimatum to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, over allegations of mismanaging over N423 billion during his tenure.
The demand, spearheaded by the Northern Christians Accord (NCA), was made in a statement on Thursday, questioning the EFCC’s delay in taking action despite multiple petitions and an indictment by the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The NCA, led by Gideon Jato, expressed concern over what it perceives as selective enforcement of anti-corruption laws, accusing the EFCC of turning a blind eye to the allegations against El-Rufai.
Kaduna Assembly’s Indictment
In June 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly ad-hoc committee, investigating financial transactions under El-Rufai’s administration from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023, found substantial evidence of corruption. The committee’s chairman, Henry Danjuma, presented a report detailing irregularities in contract awards, loan management, and revenue allocation.
The Assembly, after adopting the report, recommended that the Kaduna Internal Revenue Service withdraw the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account domiciled at Zenith Bank, which had been used as collateral for a N20 billion loan in 2023. The lawmakers also urged the state to seek reimbursement of all funds deducted due to the unauthorized transaction.
Further, the House advised that all former Commissioners of Finance and Accountants-General who served between 2015 and 2023 be referred to law enforcement agencies for comprehensive investigation.
Delayed Action and Public Outrage
Despite the Assembly’s indictment and multiple petitions—including one filed in July 2024 by the Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance (KCWGG) to the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)—no action has been taken against the former governor.
“This inaction is a blatant affront to the rule of law and an insult to the people of Kaduna State,” the NCA stated. “The EFCC’s failure to act suggests complicity and a tacit endorsement of corruption in Nigeria.”
The group also compared El-Rufai’s case with that of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who was swiftly investigated and prosecuted by the EFCC despite lacking a formal indictment by his state’s legislature.
“The man alleged to have stolen N80 billion is already in court, yet EFCC remains silent over a case involving nearly N500 billion. Is El-Rufai untouchable?” the statement queried.
Implications and Warning
The NCA warned that if the EFCC fails to act within 72 hours, it would escalate the matter by launching public awareness campaigns both locally and internationally. Additionally, it vowed to mobilize members across Nigeria’s 19 northern states for a mass protest at the EFCC headquarters and the National Assembly.
This latest call places further pressure on the EFCC, already under scrutiny for perceived inconsistencies in handling corruption cases. With growing public agitation and demands for accountability, the coming days will be critical in determining whether Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies will uphold the rule of law or continue to face accusations of bias in their enforcement efforts.
Reference
EFCC Faces Ultimatum to Arrest El-Rufai Over Alleged N423 Billion Fraud