Muyiwa Adekeye, media aide to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has alleged that security operatives attempted to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja
In a post shared on X on Wednesday, Adekeye claimed that the operatives approached el-Rufai shortly after he disembarked from his flight from Cairo but that he refused to accompany them because they did not present a formal invitation.
“Security agents today attempted to arrest Malam Nasir El-Rufai as he arrived on a flight from Cairo. Malam El-Rufai declined to follow them without a formal invitation. They however snatched his international passport from an aide,” Adekeye wrote.
Ubong Akpan, counsel to el-Rufai, described the incident as a “flagrant violation of constitutional rights” and “executive overreach.” He alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to detain the former governor without a warrant or formal notice.
According to Akpan, el-Rufai requested to see a letter of invitation, but none was produced. He further alleged that the operatives “physically snatched” the former governor’s international passport from one of his aides, describing the act as unlawful and a violation of property rights.
The lawyer disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had previously sent an invitation to el-Rufai’s residence in December 2025 while he was out of the country. He said the invitation was considered impractical at the time, but that his legal team formally communicated willingness to cooperate.
Akpan stated that on February 11, 2026, the EFCC was informed that el-Rufai would voluntarily report to its office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Despite this assurance, he said, the attempted arrest still took place.
The counsel cited alleged violations of several constitutional rights, including personal liberty, fair hearing, dignity of the human person, freedom of movement, and property ownership.
“There exists no justifiable basis for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment. Despite prior intelligence of plans to effect this arrest, Malam El-Rufai proceeded with his return following medical treatment and rest abroad, publicly affirming his commitment to face any legitimate inquiry. This premeditated interception at the airport exemplifies lawlessness and an abuse of state power,” the statement read.
Akpan demanded the immediate return of the passport, an end to what he described as unlawful attempts to detain his client, and a formal apology from the authorities.
He added that el-Rufai has no intention of evading law enforcement and would honour all legitimate summons.
The incident follows recent claims by el-Rufai that he might face a politically motivated arrest upon returning to Nigeria. He had also alleged that some of his associates were being detained after he publicly criticised the current administration.
