Chaos erupted outside the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja on Monday as security operatives fired tear gas to disperse crowds amid heated clashes involving supporters of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The incident unfolded as El-Rufai arrived to honor an invitation for questioning over alleged corruption and financial misconduct during his tenure, including probes into approximately N432 billion in state funds. The appearance, which also marked his birthday, came after he voluntarily agreed to present himself at 10:00 a.m. following an earlier attempted arrest at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport last Thursday upon return from Cairo, Egypt.

Hundreds of El-Rufai’s supporters, many from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other loyalist groups, converged on the area in solidarity. They chanted slogans defending him and carried placards reading “El-Rufai is a citizen, not a suspect,” “We stand with El-Rufai,” and similar messages.

Rival demonstrators, including members of civil society and anti-corruption advocacy groups, gathered in opposition, demanding accountability with signs such as “El-Rufai Not Above The Law,” “Answer The Charges El-Rufai,” and “Let the law catch up.”

Tensions escalated into physical confrontations between the factions and with security personnel guarding the EFCC premises. Reports and circulating videos indicate that operatives deployed tear gas canisters to break up the crowds, with some accounts accusing authorities of using dogs and selectively restricting pro-El-Rufai groups while allowing opponents closer access. Protesters were heard vowing to return once the situation cleared, signaling ongoing determination.

El-Rufai entered the EFCC building amid the disruptions, accompanied by a large entourage, though details on the outcome of his questioning—whether detention, release on bail, or further proceedings—remain unclear at this time. The probe involves coordination with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he is slated to appear later this week.

The events have intensified public debate over the anti-corruption drive, political motivations, and the handling of high-profile investigations in Nigeria, with videos of the tear-gassing and protests spreading rapidly on social media. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the clashes.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has officially inaugurated the Fire Marshal Club, a community-based volunteer initiative, accompanied by a high-profile Safety Walk to promote fire awareness and emergency preparedness across the state.

The event kicked off with a sensitization walk starting from the Service Headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, passing through the Ikeja Fire Station and various routes before returning to headquarters.

The activity aimed to engage the public directly in fire safety education and encourage proactive participation in preventing outbreaks.

Controller General Margaret Adeseye highlighted a modest decline in fire incidents between 2024 and 2025, attributing it to growing awareness efforts. She stressed that while fires cannot be entirely eliminated due to multiple risk factors, collective responsibility, adherence to safety rules, and community involvement can minimize them significantly.

“The Fire Marshal system is a globally recognized voluntary approach to prevention,” Adeseye said. “By establishing clubs in markets, commercial hubs, and neighborhoods, we will train and empower volunteers to prevent incidents and respond effectively as first responders.”

She added that members will receive comprehensive training to bridge gaps between communities and professional emergency services, including prompt reporting via toll-free lines.

General Manager of the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, Femi Giwa, underscored the role of inter-agency collaboration in aligning with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision for a safer Lagos.

Health, safety, and environment expert Dr. Julius Akpong praised the move, noting that research shows about 80–95% of fire incidents stem from unsafe human actions and ignorance, calling for ongoing education and behavioral shifts.

The Fire Marshal Club represents a key step in the state government’s strategy to protect lives and property through prevention, partnerships, and stronger emergency systems. Volunteers are expected to serve as vital links in reporting and initial response to incidents.

The initiative follows recent recruitment and training of new firefighters, signaling continued investment in Lagos’ fire safety infrastructure.

The Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS), a coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations, has called on the Inspector General of Police to launch an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the enforced disappearance of political activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris, widely known as Dadiyata, who vanished in August 2019.

Dadiyata, then a 34-year-old lecturer at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, was reportedly abducted by unidentified armed men on August 2, 2019, as he arrived at his home in Barnawa, Kaduna State.

Despite widespread condemnation from local and international groups, multiple lawsuits, and sustained advocacy, his whereabouts remain unknown more than six years later, making it one of Nigeria’s most prominent unresolved cases of enforced disappearance involving civic actors.

In a statement released on February 14, 2026, AGFCS expressed deep concern over recent public claims suggesting the disappearance was politically motivated.

The group highlighted statements by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai during a recent live interview, where he reportedly pointed to former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as potentially responsible. El-Rufai referenced an alleged confession by a police officer said to have been involved in the operation, claiming officers were dispatched from Kano State.

According to AGFCS, which cited input from the Rule of Law and Advocacy Accountability Centre (RULAAC), these claims—if substantiated—would be “explosive.” The organization stressed that regardless of their accuracy, the allegations necessitate urgent official scrutiny.

“Enforced disappearance is a grave human rights violation and a direct threat to constitutional guarantees of the right to life, liberty, dignity, and freedom of expression under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) and international human rights instruments,” the statement read. “When civic actors disappear without accountability, fear spreads and civic space shrinks.”

AGFCS urged the Inspector General of Police, in collaboration with relevant authorities, to:

1. Initiate a transparent and independent investigation incorporating all available information, including recent public statements.
2. Publicly release the findings and clearly communicate them to Dadiyata’s family.
3. Ensure full accountability for anyone found responsible.

The group reiterated that enforced disappearances have no place in a democratic society and that Dadiyata’s family deserves truth and closure, while Nigeria requires accountability to prevent justice from remaining indefinitely delayed.

The renewed call comes amid heightened public attention following El-Rufai’s interview remarks and subsequent denials from Ganduje, who has rejected any involvement and described the allegations as baseless attempts to shift responsibility. Other voices, including Amnesty International, have also demanded an independent probe into the case.

Dadiyata, known for his social media commentary and criticism of political figures, remains a symbol of the risks faced by activists in Nigeria’s shrinking civic space. No official confirmation of his fate has emerged to date.