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 allegations of mismanaging ₦423 billion during his tenure.
In a statement released on Thursday, February 6, NCA President Barr. Gideon Jato and Secretary Bro. Sunday Adoka accused the EFCC of selective justice, claiming the agency had ignored multiple petitions and a formal indictment by the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
"It is glaring that the law in Nigeria favors some while targeting others. We recall how the EFCC aggressively pursued former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, yet it remains silent on El-Rufai despite his indictment," the statement read.
In June 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly released a report alleging widespread corruption in contract awards and loan management under El-Rufai’s administration (2015–2023). The report recommended further investigations into former Commissioners of Finance and Accountants General who served during his tenure.
Despite petitions from advocacy groups like the Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance (KCWGG), both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have yet to take action.
The NCA has warned of mass protests if authorities fail to respond.
"If no action is taken, we will mobilize our members across 19 northern states and stage protests at the EFCC headquarters and the National Assembly," the group declared.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai has rejected the allegations, calling the Kaduna Assembly’s probe a “politically motivated hatchet job.”
In a statement released by his spokesperson Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai insisted that his government operated with transparency and integrity throughout his eight-year tenure.
“Malam El-Rufai wishes to assure discerning Nigerians that he served Kaduna State with integrity, assisted by a hardworking and patriotic team. He complied with all laws while in office. This so-called probe should be disregarded for what it truly is—a politically motivated smear campaign,” Adekeye stated.
As of now, the EFCC has not responded to the ultimatum.
