Civil rights campaigner and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Department of State Services, DSS, to probe former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, citing allegations of corruption and concerns about how insecurity was managed while he was in office.

In a statement on Thursday, Adeyanju urged the anti-corruption agency and the intelligence service to act with fairness and independence.

According to him, accountability must apply to all public officials, past or present.

He described as “strange”, the assertions of political persecution allegedly advanced by El-Rufai, arguing that the former governor’s tenure was frequently criticized for suppressing opposing voices.

Adeyanju claimed that multiple critics among them activists, clerics and political commentators, allegedly faced detention, harassment, or intimidation during that period.

He further asked the DSS to investigate purportedly contentious security strategies linked to El-Rufai’s administration, including allegations that financial inducements were given to violent groups.

According to him, such claims raise profound national security concerns and warrant a comprehensive investigation.
Adeyanju said: “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. 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.

“It is strange to hear claims of political persecution from a man whose administration was repeatedly accused of silencing critics.

“Several individuals who spoke against his government, including activists, religious leaders, and public commentators, were reportedly arrested, harassed, or intimidated.

“The unresolved disappearance of one of his prominent critics, who was abducted in front of his family, remains a painful reminder of that era and must not be forgotten.

“Furthermore, the DSS should investigate reported claims that his government engaged in controversial security arrangements, including allegations that payments were made to violent actors.”