Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State governor, denounced an attempted arrest by security operatives. He highlighted the need for Nigeria to respect legal processes in a public statement.
Incident at Abuja Airport
Department of State Services operatives tried to detain El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on February 12, 2026. He arrived from Cairo on Egypt Air flight MS 877.
Operatives approached him without a warrant or invitation letter. El-Rufai demanded documentation, but they produced none. Instead, they seized his international passport from an aide.
Bystanders surrounded the area and insisted on due process. Moreover their intervention prevented immediate custody and underscored public support for rule of law.
Lawyers’ Detailed Response
Ubong Esop Akpan, El-Rufai’s counsel, issued a formal statement from his chambers. Akpan declared, “This is a flagrant violation of constitutional rights, executive overreach, and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law.”
The statement revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission delivered an invitation to El-Rufai’s residence while he stayed abroad. Lawyers responded and scheduled his voluntary appearance for 10 a.m. on February 16, 2026.
Despite this arrangement, operatives proceeded with the arrest attempt. Akpan listed violations of constitutional sections on personal liberty, fair hearing, dignity, movement, and property. He demanded cessation of unlawful actions, passport return, and a formal apology.
El-Rufai’s Public Reaction
El-Rufai posted on X about the event. He stated, “My lawyers have issued a statement that condemns the illegal attempt to arrest me today at the Abuja airport upon my arrival from Cairo. Our country must outgrow executive overreach and deliberate disregard for the rule of law.”
Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai’s media adviser, corroborated the account. Adekeye explained that El-Rufai refused compliance without proper legal basis.
In conclusion, the confrontation occurred less than 24 hours after El-Rufai warned of targeting opposition figures. Security agencies provided no official comment on the matter.
My lawyers have issued a statement that condemns the illegal attempt to arrest me today at the Abuja airport upon my arrival from Cairo. Our country must outgrow executive overreach and deliberate disregard for the rule of law.https://t.co/0T5fW0Uig1 pic.twitter.com/x4ohYEdQzD— Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai (@elrufai) February 12, 2026
