El-Rufai: EFCC justifies use of tear gas on protesters in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) used tear gas to forcibly disperse a group of supporters and protesters at its headquarters in Abuja on Monday after they refused to leave the venue following the arrival of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.

El-Rufai, who had been invited by the EFCC to answer allegations of public fund mismanagement during his eight-year tenure as governor, was met by a large group of demonstrators, some of whom were in support of his appearance and others voicing opposition to his actions in office.

Social media videos captured scenes at the EFCC headquarters, where the air was thick with tear gas fumes, and the protesters remained in place despite multiple efforts by authorities to clear the area.

Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesman, addressed the situation when contacted by Peoples Gazette. He explained that the protesters, who had gathered to voice their support for El-Rufai, were initially spoken to but refused to leave when instructed.

“The protesters came in the exercise of their lawful constitutional right; I addressed them,” Oyewale said. “They were there to support El-Rufai and demand accountability. After addressing them, we asked them to leave.

But when El-Rufai arrived in his convoy, they refused to move. Under such circumstances, the law requires us to disperse them.”

The EFCC spokesperson emphasized that the use of tear gas was a standard procedure in maintaining law and order.

“There is nothing unusual about that. It is the proper course of action when a crowd is interfering with lawful processes during the execution of duty,” Oyewale added.

As of the latest update, El-Rufai was still in EFCC custody, undergoing questioning. “The situation is now calm,” Oyewale confirmed. “El-Rufai is facing our interrogation.”

Meanwhile, supporters of the ex-governor held up placards reading “We stand with El-Rufai. We stand for law” and “El-Rufai is a citizen, not a subject.” One supporter was seen telling others, “We will come back when it clears.”

While the pro-El-Rufai group was dispersed, another group, the Mega National Movement for Good Governance, was allowed to assemble near the EFCC premises.

Holding signs such as “El-Rufai cannot hide behind politics; let the law catch up” and “Answer the charge, El-Rufai,” members of this counter-protest group called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations against the former governor.

Muhammad Abdullahi, a member of the counter-protest group, spoke to journalists, urging the EFCC to conduct its investigation promptly and without bias.

“If those who served in that administration are subjecting themselves to due process, it is only proper that the former governor does the same without politicizing the process,” he said.