El-Rufai slips the net after airport clash with security agents

Tension flared at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday as security operatives attempted to arrest Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, upon his arrival from Cairo, Egypt.

According to his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, the operatives approached El-Rufai as he disembarked from his flight and sought to take him into custody.

The former governor, who last March dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), however declined, insisting on a formal invitation before honouring any request.

Read also: Security agents attempt to arrest El-Rufai at Abuja airport, seize passport

In a statement posted on social media, Adekeye alleged that security agents confiscated El-Rufai’s international passport from one of his aides after he refused to comply.

The incident drew the ire of ordinary Nigerians present at the airport who surrounded the scene and insisted loudly that he could only be arrested upon a legitimate process. This act enabled the former governor to escape the scene.

Ubong Esop Akpan, counsel to El-Rufai, issued a statement on the ex-governor’s behalf, condemning the attempted illegal arrest and labelling the act as a flagrant violation of constitutional rights, executive overreach, and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law.

“The invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was delivered to Malam El-Rufai’s residence while he was already abroad, rendering it inherently illogical and impractical to demand immediate attendance to answer purported allegations. Such an approach defies reason, as it presumes instantaneous compliance from an individual outside the jurisdiction, without regard for logistical realities or legal fairness,” the letter read.

“In response, we formally communicated with the EFCC on his behalf 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, February 16, 2026, specifying the precise place and time for addressing the invitation. Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity.”

Akpan demanded a cessation of unlawful attempts to detain El-Rufai, a return of his seized passport and a formal apology for the infringement on his right.

“Legal action will be pursued against all persons and agencies responsible for this unconstitutional conduct to uphold accountability and deter future abuses. The judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter, and we shall seek redress through all available legal channels to protect the sanctity of the law,” the letter added.

The development comes amid El-Rufai’s recent claims that he could be the next target of arrest by the Federal Government.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, the former governor, who initially defected from the ruling APC in March 2025 to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) before decamping to the ADC in November, expressed concerns over what he described as growing political intimidation against opposition figures.

He alleged that some of his close associates in Kaduna had already been detained.

“Four people we worked together in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too,” he said.

While clarifying that he had not been arrested, El-Rufai suggested that the detention of his associates pointed to possible action against him.

He also alleged that political pressure was being mounted on politicians to either defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain within its fold.

According to him, the prevailing political climate was compelling individuals to make decisions based on survival rather than conviction.

El-Rufai, who served two terms as governor of Kaduna State under the ruling All Progressives Congress, has stepped up his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the party’s leadership in recent months.

Read also: El-Rufai to return to Nigeria, notify EFCC of Monday appearance

His criticism comes as Abubakar Malami, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, was arrested last month and is undergoing trial. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Malami of abuse of office and money laundering, while the Department of State Services subsequently re-arrested him over fresh allegations tied to terrorism financing.

Malami, who also recently defected to the ADC and is positioning himself for a 2027 governorship bid in Kebbi State, has denied any wrongdoing. He has characterized the charges as politically motivated, describing them as a “witch-hunt” linked to his defection and growing opposition profile.

El-Rufai cited irreconcilable differences with both the ruling APC and the opposition Social Democratic Party for leaving for the ADC last year.

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