Tension briefly rose at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday after security operatives reportedly attempted to arrest former Kaduna State governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai shortly after he arrived from Cairo.
The development has since drawn strong legal objections from his counsel, who described the move as unlawful and a violation of constitutional rights.
In a statement issued in Abuja and obtained by The Gazette News (Nigeria), his legal team said the attempted arrest took place in the afternoon when El-Rufai landed on EgyptAir flight MS 877.
They alleged that operatives believed to be from the Department of State Services moved to detain him without presenting any warrant or formal documentation.
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According to the statement, the action followed an earlier invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which was reportedly delivered to his residence while he was already outside the country.
His lawyers argued that the timing of the invitation made immediate compliance impractical.
They said they had formally communicated with the EFCC since December 2025, assuring that their client would honour the request upon his return.
The statement further noted that the anti-graft agency was informed that El-Rufai would voluntarily appear at its office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
It added that this appearance was meant to address the issues raised in the invitation.
Despite this, the legal team said security operatives approached him at the airport upon arrival.
They claimed that when he requested to see the letter of invitation, none was presented.
The statement read, “Upon his arrival, security operatives from the Department of State Services moved to arrest Malam El-Rufai without presenting any warrant or formal invitation.”
It continued: “When he calmly demanded to see the letter of invitation—a basic entitlement of any citizen facing state action—none could be produced. No document, no signed directive, no lawful process. There was only raw power, unclothed by law.”
The lawyers also alleged that his international passport was taken during the encounter.
They described the act as unlawful.
According to them, bystanders at the airport intervened.
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They said ordinary Nigerians present at the scene insisted that any arrest must follow due legal process.
Their words: “Ordinary Nigerians present at the airport, incensed by this open display of oppression, surrounded the scene and insisted loudly that he could only be arrested upon a legitimate process.”
The legal team stressed that government agencies must operate within the bounds of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
They cited several constitutional provisions they believe were breached.
Among them is Section 35, which protects personal liberty and requires lawful procedures for arrest.
They also referenced Section 36 on fair hearing and Section 34, which protects citizens’ dignity.
Section 41, which guarantees freedom of movement, and Section 44 on property rights were also mentioned in the statement.
The lawyers argued that the seizure of his passport, if done without lawful authority, would amount to an infringement of these rights.
They maintained that there was no justification for the attempted arrest.
According to the statement, El-Rufai had returned to the country after medical treatment abroad and had publicly expressed readiness to respond to legitimate enquiries.
They said the interception at the airport suggested premeditated action.
The statement added: “There exists no justifiable basis for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment.”
In response to the incident, the legal team demanded the immediate return of the passport and called for what they described as an end to unlawful efforts to detain their client.
They also called for a formal apology.
The lawyers further declared: “LET US MAKE IT PUBLICLY AND ABUNDANTLY CLEAR.”
“1. MALAM NASIR AHMAD EL RUFAI WILL NEVER TAKE THE COWARDLY ROUTE OF RUNNING AWAY FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT.”
“2. HE WILL HONOUR, WITHOUT PRECONDITIONS, ALL LEGITIMATE LAW ENFORCEMENT SUMMONS.”
They said legal action would be pursued against any individuals or agencies found responsible for what they termed unconstitutional conduct.
According to the statement, the judiciary remains the appropriate channel for resolving the matter.
The situation has sparked conversations among observers about due process and the relationship between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
While the full circumstances surrounding the invitation from the EFCC remain unclear, the legal team insists their client is prepared to cooperate through lawful channels.
For now, attention shifts to whether El-Rufai will appear at the EFCC as scheduled on Monday.
The coming days may determine how the issue unfolds and whether further legal steps will be taken.
This report was produced by the editorial team at The Gazette News | Latest News In Nigeria & the World in line with our commitment to accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism. Information in this article is based on verified sources available at the time of publication. The Gazette News | Latest News In Nigeria & the World may update the story as new facts emerge or additional context becomes available.
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