Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is set to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Ubong Esop Akpan, legal counsel to the former Kaduna State governor, disclosed this following an attempted arrest at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Thursday.
According to Akpan, El-Rufai was approached by security operatives Thursday afternoon after arriving in Abuja on Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo.
“The invitation from the EFCC was delivered to Malam El-Rufai’s residence while he was abroad, making any immediate compliance impractical and illogical,” Akpan said. “It presumes instantaneous attendance from someone outside the jurisdiction, disregarding both logistical realities and legal fairness.”
He added that the former governor had formally communicated with the EFCC since December 2025, assuring compliance upon his return. “Yesterday, we explicitly notified them that he would voluntarily appear at their office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, specifying the time and place for addressing the invitation. Yet, an attempted arrest was made despite this clear commitment, exemplifying arbitrary conduct and undermining procedural integrity.”
Akpan said the action had no legal basis and violated constitutional provisions protecting fundamental freedoms. “There exists no justifiable reason for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment. Despite prior knowledge of plans to detain him, Malam El-Rufai returned after medical treatment abroad, publicly affirming his readiness to face any legitimate inquiry.
The premeditated interception at the airport is a clear example of lawlessness and abuse of state power.” He concluded by demanding “the immediate and unconditional cessation of all unlawful efforts to detain Malam El-Rufai, the return of his seized passport, and a formal apology for this egregious infringement on his dignity and rights.”