Lawyers to former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, have accused security operatives of attempting to arrest him unlawfully at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after his arrival from Cairo on Egypt Air flight MS 877.
In a statement issued in Abuja on February 12, 2026, counsel to El-Rufai, led by Ubong Esop Akpan, described the incident as a violation of constitutional rights and an abuse of state power. The legal team said operatives of the Department of State Services moved to detain the former governor without presenting an arrest warrant or a formal letter of invitation.
According to the statement, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had earlier sent an invitation to El-Rufai’s residence while he was outside the country. His lawyers argued that the timing of the letter made immediate compliance impossible, as he was abroad at the time.
The legal team stated that they had been in communication with the EFCC since December 2025 and had formally notified the commission that El-Rufai would honour the invitation upon his return. They said the agency was informed that he would appear at its office by 10.00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Despite this, the statement alleged that security operatives attempted to arrest him on arrival in Abuja. His counsel claimed that when El-Rufai requested to see the letter of invitation or any warrant authorising his arrest, none was produced.
The lawyers further alleged that operatives seized his international passport without presenting legal authority to do so. They described the action as unlawful and in breach of constitutional safeguards.
Citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the legal team argued that the attempted arrest infringed on El-Rufai’s right to personal liberty, fair hearing, dignity and freedom of movement. They also referenced protections relating to property rights, maintaining that any restriction of movement or seizure of personal documents must follow due process.
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The statement added that ordinary Nigerians present at the airport intervened and questioned the action of the operatives, insisting that due process be followed.
El-Rufai’s counsel insisted that their client has no intention of evading law enforcement and remains willing to respond to any lawful summons. They demanded an immediate halt to what they termed unlawful attempts to detain him, the return of his passport and a formal apology.
The legal team also indicated that it would pursue court action against any agency or individuals found to have acted outside the law, stating that the judiciary remains the proper forum for resolving such disputes.
As of press time, there was no official response from the EFCC or the Department of State Services regarding the allegations.
