Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations of corruption and his handling of insecurity while in office.
In a statement on Thursday, Adeyanju said no public official should be above the law and urged anti-graft and security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation if there are questions regarding financial misconduct or abuse of office.
“I call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately investigate former Governor Nasir El-Rufai over allegations of corruption and his handling of insecurity during his time in office,” he said.
“No one should be above the law. 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.”
Adeyanju described as “strange” claims of political persecution allegedly made by the former governor, arguing that El-Rufai’s administration had been accused of silencing critics.
“It is strange to hear claims of political persecution from a man whose administration was repeatedly accused of silencing critics,” he said.
“Several individuals who spoke against his government, including activists, religious leaders, and public commentators, were reportedly arrested, harassed, or intimidated.”
He also referenced what he described as the unresolved disappearance of a prominent critic who was allegedly abducted in front of his family, saying the incident “remains a painful reminder of that era and must not be forgotten.”
The activist further urged the DSS to investigate what he called “controversial security arrangements” during El-Rufai’s tenure, including allegations that payments were made to violent actors.
“These are serious issues that go to the heart of national security,” Adeyanju said. “For the sake of justice and accountability, both he and anyone found culpable must be thoroughly investigated.”
El-Rufai has not publicly responded to the latest call for investigation as of the time of filing this report.
