Abuja, Nigeria — Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai faced an attempted arrest by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday afternoon at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport upon returning from Cairo. The incident occurred after El-Rufai refused to leave the airport without a formal invitation letter from the authorities.
According to witnesses, DSS operatives confronted El-Rufai and seized his international passport during the confrontation. However, passengers and supporters present at the airport intervened, chanting in support of the former governor and insisting that he could only be arrested through proper legal procedures. This allowed El-Rufai to leave the airport safely.
El-Rufai described the attempted arrest as “illegal” and said he plans to pursue legal action against the responsible security operatives and agencies. He emphasised his willingness to cooperate with investigations, but only through proper channels and lawful procedures.
In an official statement, El-Rufai’s legal team, led by Ubong Esop Akpan, condemned the attempted arrest, calling it a flagrant violation of constitutional rights. The lawyers noted that El-Rufai had already received an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding alleged corruption during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.
The statement highlighted that the EFCC invitation had been issued while El-Rufai was abroad, and that his legal team had formally communicated his willingness to appear voluntarily on Monday, February 16, 2026. “Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” the statement read.
The lawyers also noted that security operatives failed to present any official warrant or invitation at the airport, and that the seizure of El-Rufai’s passport was unlawful. “No document, no signed directive, no lawful process. There was only raw power, unclothed by law,” they said.
Eyewitnesses reported that ordinary Nigerians present at the airport surrounded the scene and loudly insisted that El-Rufai could only be arrested through lawful means. The intervention demonstrated public awareness of constitutional rights and highlighted concerns over state overreach.
El-Rufai’s lawyers cited several constitutional provisions they say were violated during the attempted arrest:
Section 35 – Right to Personal Liberty
Section 36 – Right to Fair Hearing
Section 34(1)(a) – Right to Dignity of the Human Person
Section 41 – Right to Freedom of Movement
Section 44 – Right to Own Property
The unlawful seizure of his passport was seen as a direct violation of his rights to movement and property, while the attempt to detain him without due process was described as a breach of personal liberty and dignity.
El-Rufai reaffirmed his commitment to cooperating with law enforcement. He stated that he will never evade lawful summons and will voluntarily comply with legitimate inquiries.
His legal team announced plans to pursue legal action against those responsible for the attempted arrest, seeking the return of his passport, protection of his constitutional rights, and a formal apology from the authorities involved.
“The judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter,” the statement said. “We shall seek redress through all available legal channels to protect the sanctity of the law.”
This incident has sparked concerns over political tensions in Nigeria, with observers noting that it highlights potential conflicts between security agencies and high-profile political figures, especially those who have criticised or opposed current government policies.
