Security operatives on Thursday allegedly attempted to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon his arrival from Cairo, Egypt.
The incident was disclosed in a statement issued by his counsel, Ubong Esop Akpan, who described the move as “an unlawful and unconstitutional attempt” to detain his client.
According to the statement, El-Rufai arrived in Abuja aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo when operatives identified as members of the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly moved to arrest him. His lawyer claimed the officers did not present a warrant of arrest or any formal letter of invitation before attempting to detain him.
Akpan said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had previously delivered a letter of invitation to El-Rufai’s residence while he was out of the country. He described the timing of the invitation as “illogical,” noting that his client was already abroad when it was delivered.
The lawyer further stated that his chambers had formally communicated with the EFCC in December 2025, assuring the commission that El-Rufai would comply upon his return to Nigeria. He added that the EFCC was notified that the former governor would voluntarily appear at its office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
“Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” the statement read.
Akpan also alleged that security operatives seized El-Rufai’s international passport without lawful authority, describing the action as “the unlawful taking of private property.”
He claimed that bystanders at the airport protested the attempted arrest and demanded that due process be followed.
Citing constitutional provisions, the lawyer argued that the attempted arrest violated several sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), including Section 35 (right to personal liberty), Section 36 (right to fair hearing), Section 34 (right to dignity of the human person), Section 41 (right to freedom of movement), and Section 44 (right to own property).
The statement however said that legal action will be pursued against all persons and agencies responsible for the unconstitutional conduct against El-Rufai, while also demanding for the immediate and unconditional cessation of all unlawful efforts to detain El-Rufai, the immediate return of his passport, and a formal apology.
It also added that legal action would be pursued against any individuals or agencies found to have violated his client’s constitutional rights.
As of press time, the EFCC and DSS had not issued official responses to the allegations