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By Oscar Okhifo
Supporters of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai on Monday vowed to return to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after they were tear gassed by security operatives.
The demonstrators converged on the anti-graft agency’s headquarters in a show of solidarity with the former governor, who had publicly indicated that he would honour an invitation to appear before the commission on February 16.
At the time of this report, it remained uncertain whether El-Rufai had already entered the premises to meet with investigators or was still en route when the protest began.
Video clips from the scene captured protesters brandishing placards and chanting pro-El-Rufai slogans before security operatives moved in and discharged tear-gas canisters to break up the gathering.
The development caused confusion in the area, with demonstrators and bystanders seen fleeing as the fumes spread across the premises.
In footage reviewed by our correspondent, some of the demonstrators were heard vowing to return after being dispersed, shouting, “We will come back! You can’t do anything. We will come back,” as they withdrew from the EFCC premises.
As of press time, the exact trigger for the use of tear gas had not been officially clarified.
The EFCC is yet to release a formal statement addressing the incident.