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Abuja-based legal practitioner, Deji Adeyanju, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to urgently commence an investigation into former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations of corruption and his handling of insecurity while in office.
Adeyanju, who heads the law firm, Adeyanju and Partners, made the call in a statement on Thursday, insisting that no public official is above scrutiny.
He said, “if there are questions about financial misconduct or abuse of office, he must give a full account, and the relevant agencies must not succumb to any form of blackmail or intimidation.”
The lawyer’s demand comes amid renewed controversy surrounding El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. In recent months, the former governor has been at the centre of political tensions following his criticism of certain policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration and speculation about his political future.
El-Rufai has also alleged in media interviews that there were moves within the current administration to target him, claiming that he had been informed of possible plans to arrest or investigate him. While no official confirmation of any impending arrest has been made by federal authorities, his comments are eliciting debates on possible strangulation of opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general election.
During his tenure as governor, El-Rufai faced multiple allegations bordering on financial management, contract awards and debt accumulation. The Kaduna State House of Assembly had, in 2024, reportedly initiated a probe into aspects of his administration’s finances, including loans obtained by the state and certain project expenditures.
El-Rufai has consistently denied wrongdoing, maintaining that all financial decisions taken under his watch followed due process and were in the interest of the state.
In his statement, Adeyanju dismissed claims of persecution and urged anti-graft agencies to act without fear or favour.
The statement read in part, “it is strange to hear claims of political persecution from a man whose administration was repeatedly accused of silencing critics. Several individuals who spoke against his government, including activists, religious leaders, and public commentators, were reportedly arrested, harassed, or intimidated. The unresolved disappearance of one of his prominent critics, who was abducted in front of his family, remains a painful reminder of that era and must not be forgotten.”
He further called on the Department of State Services to investigate claims that the El-Rufai-led government “engaged in controversial security arrangements, including allegations that payments were made to violent actors. These are serious issues that go to the heart of national security. For the sake of justice and accountability, both he and anyone found culpable must be thoroughly investigated.”
Adeyanju stressed that the credibility of anti-corruption institutions depends on their willingness to investigate high-profile individuals, regardless of political affiliation.