Chaos erupted at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Jabi, Abuja, on Monday, February 16, 2026, as former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai arrived to honour an invitation for questioning over alleged corruption and financial misconduct.
Supporters of El-Rufai, numbering in the hundreds, converged on the EFCC complex as early as 7:00 a.m. to show solidarity, chanting slogans such as “Free El-Rufai,” “Rule of Law,” and “No witch-hunt.” Counter-protesters, believed to be aligned with groups opposed to the former governor, also gathered, leading to tense confrontations between the two sides.
Police and security operatives deployed tear gas to disperse the crowds after the situation became volatile, with stones thrown and attempts to breach the EFCC perimeter. Images and videos circulating on social media showed thick smoke from tear gas canisters, protesters running for cover, and a heavy security presence including riot police, DSS operatives and armed personnel.
El-Rufai arrived around 10:15 a.m. in a convoy and was escorted into the building amid chants from his supporters. He was accompanied by a team of lawyers led by Ubong Esop Akpan and other senior counsel.
Background to the Invitation El-Rufai’s appearance follows months of investigation into alleged abuse of office, money laundering and diversion of public funds during his tenure as governor (2015–2023) and later as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The EFCC had issued multiple invitations since late 2025, which his legal team said were either impractical or politically timed.
Last week, security agents reportedly attempted to arrest him at the airport upon his return from abroad, an action his lawyers condemned as “unlawful and unconstitutional.” The former governor has since maintained that he will honour legitimate invitations while challenging what he calls “selective persecution.”
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El-Rufai’s Supporters: Described the protest as “peaceful solidarity” and accused the government of using security agencies to intimidate critics ahead of 2027.
EFCC: Yet to issue an official statement on the questioning or the protest, but sources say the session is ongoing.
Civil Society: Groups like HURIWA and Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the use of tear gas on protesters and called for peaceful resolution of all political cases.
Police: FCT Police Command spokesperson confirmed deployment to “maintain law and order” and prevent breakdown of security at the EFCC headquarters.
The development has heightened political tension in Abuja, with many viewing the protests as a prelude to the 2027 election cycle.
This is a developing story. DDNewsOnline is monitoring for updates on the outcome of the questioning and any arrests or injuries.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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