Group gives EFCC 72-hour ultimatum to arrest El-Rufai over alleged ₦423bn fraud

A group, the Northern Christians Accord (NCA) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and prosecute former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over an alleged ₦423 billion fraud.

The group, in a strongly worded statement on Thursday, February 6, accused the EFCC of selective justice, questioning why the agency had yet to act on El-Rufai’s indictment by the Kaduna State House of Assembly while aggressively pursuing other political figures.

“It is glaring that the law in Nigeria favours some and witch-hunts others. We remember how the EFCC pursued former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, yet it has remained silent on El-Rufai despite his indictment,” the statement, signed by NCA President Barr. Gideon Jato and Secretary Bro. Sunday Adoka, read.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly had, in June 2024, released a damning report alleging widespread corruption in contract awards and loan management under El-Rufai’s administration (2015–2023).

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The probe recommended investigations into former Commissioners of Finance and Accountants General, citing evidence of massive financial mismanagement.

Since then, several advocacy groups, including the Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance (KCWGG), have submitted petitions to the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), but no action has been taken.

The NCA has vowed to mobilize mass protests across the 19 northern states if the EFCC does not act.

“If no action is taken, we will mobilize our members across the North and stage protests at the EFCC headquarters and the National Assembly,” the group warned.

In response to the allegations, El-Rufai has categorically denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the probe as a politically motivated attack.

Through his spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, the former governor insisted that he led a government of integrity and competence, complying with all legal and financial regulations during his tenure.

“Malam El-Rufai wishes to assure discerning Nigerians that he has served Kaduna State with integrity and to the best of his capacity, assisted by a hardworking and patriotic team. He complied with all extant laws in all his activities while he was the governor. This jaundiced probe should be disregarded as the politically motivated hatchet job it is,” Adekeye said.

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