Adeyanju Demands Immediate Probe into El-Rufai’s Tenure

Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has escalated his campaign for accountability, formally urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to launch an immediate investigation into former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. In a statement issued on Thursday, Adeyanju articulated a list of serious allegations, ranging from massive financial misconduct to questionable security strategies that reportedly compromised public safety during El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure from 2015 to 2023.

Adeyanju’s call comes amidst a deteriorating relationship between the former governor and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Following his failure to secure a ministerial confirmation in the Tinubu administration, El-Rufai has emerged as a vocal critic of the government, recently alleging a “politically motivated” plot to arrest him upon his return to Nigeria from a trip abroad. Adeyanju dismissed these concerns of persecution, arguing that the law must apply equally to all public officials, regardless of their political alignment.

The activist highlighted the stark irony in El-Rufai’s complaints, pointing to the frequent accusations that the former governor’s own administration in Kaduna suppressed dissenting voices. Adeyanju reminded the public of the unresolved disappearance of a prominent critic, who was allegedly abducted in front of his family, as a painful reminder of that era. He insisted that the relevant agencies must act independently and not succumb to blackmail or intimidation in their quest for justice.

Beyond financial queries, Adeyanju urged the DSS to scrutinize the controversial security arrangements linked to the former administration. He specifically called for a probe into allegations that financial inducements were paid to violent groups, strategies that critics have long argued exacerbated rather than curtailed insecurity in the region. The activist emphasized that these matters go to the heart of national security and must be thoroughly investigated.

The demand for a probe aligns with a broader push for accountability surrounding the staggering debt profile left behind by the El-Rufai administration. The Kaduna State House of Assembly had previously indicted the former governor’s administration for the mismanagement of nearly ₦423 billion, alleging that multi-billion-naira loans were obtained without following due process. El-Rufai has consistently denied wrongdoing, labeling the investigations as politically motivated witch-hunts.

As El-Rufai reportedly prepares for a high-stakes return to Nigeria, the pressure on anti-graft and security agencies to act is mounting. Adeyanju reiterated that his call is not rooted in personal animosity but in a commitment to transparency and the strengthening of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. For the activist, accountability is not optional; it is the only way to ensure that public trust is restored and the rule of law is upheld.