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.

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai arrived at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja today to honor an invitation for questioning over alleged corruption during his tenure, coinciding with his birthday.

The appearance follows an earlier tense encounter last Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where security operatives attempted to arrest him upon return from Cairo, Egypt. El-Rufai’s team described the move as unlawful, resulting in the temporary seizure of his passport before he evaded detention with help from bystanders and supporters.

El-Rufai’s legal representatives had assured the EFCC in advance that he would present himself voluntarily at 10:00 a.m. today as part of probes into financial misconduct, including claims related to approximately N432 billion in state funds.

The investigation involves collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he is expected to appear later this week.

Tensions boiled over outside the EFCC premises as rival groups converged. Hundreds of El-Rufai’s supporters, many aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), gathered in solidarity, chanting slogans such as “El-Rufai is a citizen, not a subject” and “We stand with El-Rufai,” while displaying placards in his defense.Counter-protesters from groups like the Mega National Movement for Good Governance also assembled, demanding accountability with signs reading “Answer

The Charges El-Rufai,” “El-Rufai Not Above The Law,” and calls for swift prosecution.

The rival demonstrations reportedly escalated into clashes, prompting security operatives to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowds and restore order near the commission’s entrance. Some reports indicated restrictions on the size of El-Rufai’s entourage allowed inside the facility, further fueling confrontations.

El-Rufai proceeded into the EFCC building amid the chaos. It remains unclear whether he will face detention following questioning or be released to continue cooperating with the probe.

The event has drawn widespread attention amid ongoing scrutiny of El-Rufai’s administration and separate allegations, including a recent federal charge related to intercepting communications of the National Security Adviser.

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.