Security Agents Attempted to Arrest El-Rufai at Abuja Airport, Says Aide, Adekeye

• Secret police explain seizure of passport 

•DWI slams ex-Kaduna gov over allegations against Ribadu

Chuks Okocha, Linus Aleke and Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Media aide to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, Muyiwa Adekeye, said security agents attempted to arrest his boss at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as he returned from Cairo, Egypt.

In a post on X, Adekeye alleged that operatives approached el-Rufai shortly after he disembarked from his flight on Wednesday, but he declined to follow them in the absence of a formal invitation.

Counsel to el-Rufai, Ubong Akpan, described the incident as a “flagrant violation of constitutional rights” and “executive overreach”, saying the operatives from Department of State Services (DSS) moved to detain el-Rufai without a warrant or formal invitation.

According to a statement by Akpan, el-Rufai demanded to see the letter of invitation but none was produced.

He said the operatives then “physically snatched” his international passport from an aide, an act the counsel termed “stealing” and a violation of property rights.

Akpan said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had delivered an invitation to el-Rufai’s residence in December 2025 while he was abroad, which his team deemed impractical.

He said they formally assured EFCC of compliance and notified the agency on February 11, 2026 that el-Rufai would voluntarily appear at their office by 10:00 am on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Akpan said despite that commitment, the attempted arrest proceeded.

The counsel cited multiple constitutional infringements, including rights to personal liberty, fair hearing, dignity of the human person, freedom of movement, and ownership of property.

He stated, “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.”

Akpan demanded the immediate return of the passport, cessation of unlawful efforts to detain el-Rufai, and a formal apology.

He stated that el-Rufai would never flee law enforcement and would honour all legitimate summons without preconditions.

The development came against the backdrop of recent remarks by el-Rufai, suggesting that he could be arrested by the federal government.

Speaking to BBC Hausa Service, the former governor alleged that recent events indicated that he might be the next target of what he described as political intimidation against opposition figures.

El-Rufai, who recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to African Democratic Congress (ADC), disclosed that some of his unnamed associates had already been detained.

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

Although he acknowledged that he had not been arrested, el-Rufai stated that the detention of his associates suggested possible action against him.

He further alleged that political pressure was being exerted on politicians to either defect to APC or remain within the ruling party. He added that the current political climate was compelling individuals to act out of survival rather than conviction.

Secret Police Explain Seizure of Passport

DSS explained the circumstances surrounding the reported seizure of el-Rufai’s passport at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

A source within DSS dismissed as false and misleading, claims that there was an attempt to arrest or detain the former governor at the airport.

According to the source, the action taken by the operatives was limited to the seizure of his passport.

The source, who is conversant with the discreet operations of the secret police, explained that the seizure was carried out in compliance with a request from an anti-graft agency.

“We only seized his passport in response to a request by an anti-graft agency, so he would honour their invitation,” the source said.

DWI Slams El-Rufai over Ribadu

Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI) condemned what it described as “reckless and unfounded” allegations by El-Rufai against National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

El-Rufai, in a statement during a chat with DCL Hausa, had, reportedly, accused Ribadu of ordering arrests without proper investigation and interfering in judicial processes.

But, in a statement yesterday by its Director of Strategic Communication, Dr. Tunji O. Bamidele, DWI dismissed the claims as baseless and harmful to national security institutions.

The group said el-Rufai’s allegation that the NSA “picks up his phone and calls any security outfit to arrest anybody without investigation” was not supported by evidence and was capable of eroding public confidence in security agencies.

The statement said, “The Democracy Watch Initiative categorically rejects El-Rufai’s claims that Nuhu Ribadu interferes in judicial matters or influences bail decisions.

“These statements are harmful, reckless, and malicious, designed to tarnish the reputation of a dedicated public servant who has devoted his career to the security and safety of our nation.

“Such unfounded allegations not only jeopardize the morale of our security forces but also threaten the delicate fabric of our democracy.

“We are particularly alarmed by El-Rufai’s assertion that ‘nobody is as wicked as Nuhu Ribadu in Tinubu’s administration’. This kind of rhetoric is not only annoying but also dangerous, as it seeks to undermine the legitimacy of our institutions and the individuals who serve within them.”