Former Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has confirmed that he will appear before Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, February 16, 2026, following weeks of public speculation over an ongoing investigation linked to his time in office.
Gatekeepers News reports that El-Rufai is expected to return to Abuja within 48 hours after spending several weeks outside the country. Sources close to him said he has formally informed the EFCC of his readiness to honour the invitation and report at the commission’s headquarters by 10 a.m. on Monday. He also confirmed his plans in a brief interview, putting to rest claims that he had gone into self-imposed exile .
The former Governor left Nigeria on November 30, 2025, after attending social engagements in Lagos. During his absence, EFCC officials reportedly delivered an invitation letter to his residence in December, triggering widespread reports that he could face arrest immediately upon return.
Tension around the case increased on Thursday when reports emerged that El-Rufai narrowly avoided arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after security agents attempted to detain him on arrival from Cairo, Egypt.
His media aide said he declined to cooperate without a formal invitation and insisted on due process, adding that the encounter led to a brief confrontation before he was allowed to proceed. The EFCC has yet to officially comment on the airport incident .
El-Rufai is under investigation following allegations of financial misconduct involving about N423 billion during his eight-year tenure as Kaduna Governor. The allegations stem from a report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which accused his administration of irregular contract awards, loan mismanagement, and other financial infractions. Several civil groups have since called on the EFCC to accelerate its probe and ensure accountability.
