El-Rufai’s counsel condemns ‘unlawful’ attempted arrest at Abuja Airport, demands return of passport

By James Ike

Counsel to former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has condemned what he described as an unlawful attempt by security operatives to arrest his client at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Ubong Esop Akpan of The Chambers of Ubong Akpan alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) moved to arrest El-Rufai upon his arrival aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo without presenting a warrant or formal letter of invitation.

According to the statement, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier delivered an invitation to El-Rufai’s residence while he was outside the country.

Akpan said his chambers had since December 2025 communicated with the Commission on his client’s behalf, assuring that he would honour the invitation upon his return to Nigeria.

He further disclosed that the EFCC was formally notified on Wednesday that El-Rufai would voluntarily appear at its office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, to respond to the allegations.

“Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” the statement read.

The counsel alleged that security operatives failed to produce any warrant or signed directive when asked and also confiscated El-Rufai’s international passport at the airport.

He described the action as unconstitutional and a violation of his client’s fundamental rights.

Akpan cited Sections 35, 36, 34, 41 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), arguing that the attempted arrest and seizure of the passport infringed on El-Rufai’s rights to personal liberty, fair hearing, dignity of person, freedom of movement and property.

The statement also claimed that bystanders at the airport questioned the actions of the operatives and insisted that due process be followed.

While insisting that El-Rufai would not evade any lawful investigation, the counsel maintained that any engagement with law enforcement agencies must adhere strictly to constitutional provisions.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional cessation of all unlawful efforts to detain Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, the immediate return of his passport, and a formal apology,” Akpan stated.

He added that legal action would be pursued against those responsible for what he termed unconstitutional conduct, stressing that the matter would be addressed through appropriate judicial channels.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the DSS or the EFCC regarding the allegations.