Security operatives on Thursday allegedly moved to arrest Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna state governor, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja shortly after he landed from Cairo, Egypt.
Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai’s media adviser, disclosed the development in a post on X.
“Security agents today attempted to arrest Malam Nasir El-Rufai as he arrived on a flight from Cairo,” Adekeye wrote.
He said El-Rufai refused to follow the operatives because they did not present a formal invitation or warrant.
“They, however, snatched his international passport from an aide,” Adekeye added.
Earlier Warning of Arrest
Earlier on Wednesday, El-Rufai warned that authorities might arrest him.
He made the claim during an interview with BBC Hausa.
He said security agencies had already arrested four of his former associates in Kaduna.
“Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too,” he said.
He accused the ruling party of targeting critics and described the arrests as political intimidation.
Return from Cairo
Later in the evening, El-Rufai announced his return to Nigeria after traveling to Cairo to rest and recuperate.
He arrived at the Abuja airport, where security operatives allegedly confronted him.
According to his aide, El-Rufai demanded due process. He insisted that officers issue a formal notice before taking any further action.
No Official Statement Yet
Security agencies have not issued an official statement as of press time.
Authorities have neither confirmed nor denied the alleged arrest attempt.
The situation continues to unfold amid heightened political tension.
