A tense scene unfolded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Wednesday, as security agents allegedly attempted to detain former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, upon his return from a trip to Cairo, Egypt.
According to a statement by his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, operatives approached El-Rufai shortly after he disembarked from his flight. The former governor, however, reportedly declined to accompany them in the absence of a formal invitation or a warrant.
The situation escalated, Adekeye claimed, when the agents “snatched his international passport from an aide.”
A “Flagrant Violation” and “Executive Overreach”
In a strongly-worded statement, Ubong Akpan, counsel to Malam El-Rufai, condemned the incident as a “flagrant violation of constitutional rights” and an act of “executive overreach.” Akpan asserted that operatives, believed to be from the Department of State Services (DSS), moved to detain his client without any legal instrument.
“He demanded to see the letter of invitation but none was produced,” Akpan stated. The subsequent seizure of the passport was described as “stealing” and a violation of property rights.
Background: A Pending Invitation and a Commitment to Comply
The counsel provided context, revealing that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had delivered an invitation to El-Rufai’s residence in December 2025 while he was abroad—an invitation his legal team deemed logistically impractical at the time.
Akpan stated that they had formally assured the EFCC of his client’s cooperation and, on February 11, 2026, notified the agency that El-Rufai would voluntarily appear at their office by 10:00 am on Monday, February 16, 2026.
“Despite this commitment, the attempted arrest proceeded,” Akpan said, calling the airport interception “premeditated” and “an abuse of state power.”
Constitutional Infringements Alleged
The legal team cited multiple alleged breaches, including infringements on the rights to:
- Personal Liberty
- Fair Hearing
- Dignity of the Human Person
- Freedom of Movement
- Ownership of Property
“There exists no justifiable basis for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment,” the statement read. It emphasized that El-Rufai, aware of rumours of a planned arrest, had still chosen to return to Nigeria following medical treatment abroad, “publicly affirming his commitment to face any legitimate inquiry.”
Demands and Reassurances
Akpan demanded the immediate return of the passport, a cessation of all “unlawful efforts” to detain El-Rufai, and a formal apology.
The statement concluded with a reassurance: “El-Rufai would never flee law enforcement and would honour all legitimate summons without preconditions.”
A Politically Charged Atmosphere
This development occurs against a backdrop of recent claims by the former governor that he could face a politically motivated arrest due to his criticisms of the current administration. He had previously alleged that some of his associates were being detained.
The incident at the airport raises serious questions about due process, the rule of law, and the use of state security apparatus. It remains to be seen how the concerned agencies will respond to the allegations and demands laid out by El-Rufai’s legal team.
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