A civic group, the Mega National Movement for Good Governance (MNMGG), has called for strict adherence to due process in the ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, during a peaceful demonstration at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja.
The protest, held yesterday in the Nigerian capital, centred on demands for accountability and transparency in the legal proceedings concerning the former governor.
Speaking to reporters, MNMGG spokesperson Comrade Muhammad Abdullahi described the case as a lawful and constitutional issue between Mr El-Rufai and the Kaduna State Government. He cautioned against framing the matter as a political dispute.
According to Abdullahi, a 2024 report by an Ad-Hoc Committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly highlighted alleged concerns relating to fiscal management, public debt and contract awards during the previous administration. He said the report’s findings had been made public.
The group also pointed out that a number of former aides and associates of the ex-governor — among them Jafaru Sani, Jimmy Lawal, Bashir Saidu and Samuel Aruwa — were facing investigation or detention over related allegations.
Citing constitutional provisions that require the state to combat corruption and abuse of office, the demonstrators urged both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission to pursue their inquiries in line with the rule of law.
Abdullahi stressed that the matter should be resolved in court, adding that confidence in one’s integrity should be demonstrated through participation in the judicial process rather than public rhetoric.
In response, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, speaking on behalf of Chairman Ola Olukoyede, thanked the protesters for their peaceful conduct and assured them that their concerns would be communicated to the Commission’s leadership and addressed in accordance with its mandate.
