Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has condemned what he described as an unlawful attempt by security operatives to arrest him at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday after his return from Cairo, has sparked nationwide debate over executive overreach and respect for the rule of law.
Supporters Intervene at Airport
According to reports, armed security personnel approached El-Rufai shortly after he landed and attempted to escort him away.
An aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said the former governor refused to comply without official documentation.
“He asked for an invitation or warrant, but none was provided,” Adekeye stated.
Supporters present at the airport reportedly intervened, insisting that El-Rufai could only be detained through lawful procedures.
El-Rufai Reacts: ‘Our Country Must Outgrow Executive Overreach’
In a post on X and an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai criticised the conduct of security agencies.
“Our country must outgrow executive overreach,” he said.
He added that four of his former aides had already been detained and suggested that he could face further harassment.
Lawyer Condemns ‘Illegal Arrest Attempt’
El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, issued a strong statement accusing security agencies of violating his client’s constitutional rights.
He alleged that operatives attempted to detain El-Rufai without:
- A valid arrest warrant
- An official invitation
- Any signed directive
The lawyer also claimed that his client’s international passport was confiscated unlawfully.
“This is nothing short of stealing by agents of the state,” Akpan said.
EFCC Invitation and Compliance
Akpan confirmed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier invited El-Rufai while he was abroad.
He explained that the invitation was delivered to his residence after he had already travelled, making immediate compliance impossible.
According to the lawyer, El-Rufai had agreed to appear at the EFCC office on February 16, 2026.
DSS Linked to Incident
Security sources later disclosed that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were responsible for the airport encounter.
A source claimed the action did not amount to an arrest.
“If they wanted to arrest him, nothing would have stopped them,” the source said.
The DSS and EFCC had not officially commented on the matter at the time of filing.
Political Background
El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State for eight years, recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
His defection and growing political influence have intensified speculation about his role in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Rights Violations Alleged
According to his legal team, the attempted detention violated several constitutional rights, including:
- Right to personal liberty
- Freedom of movement
- Right to property
- Right to fair hearing
- Human dignity
The lawyer demanded the immediate return of his passport and a public apology.
Public Reactions and Implications
The airport drama has triggered widespread reactions, with many Nigerians questioning the conduct of security agencies and the use of state power.
Analysts warn that such incidents could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions if left unaddressed.
Conclusion
With neither the DSS nor the EFCC issuing an official response, uncertainty remains over the motive behind the airport incident.
El-Rufai has reiterated his willingness to honour all lawful summons, insisting that he will not evade investigations.
As political tensions rise ahead of 2027, the episode highlights growing concerns over civil liberties, accountability, and governance in Nigeria.
