El-Rufai’s Lawyer Condemns ‘Illegal’ Arrest Attempt at Abuja Airport

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 Thursday.

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) attempted to arrest El-Rufai upon his arrival aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo without presenting a warrant or formal letter of invitation.

Akpan said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier sent an invitation to El-Rufai’s residence while he was outside the country, describing the move as “illogical and impractical.”

He added that his chambers had since December 2025 communicated with the EFCC, assuring the commission that the former governor would honour the invitation upon his return.

According to the statement, the EFCC was formally notified that El-Rufai would voluntarily appear at its office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, to address the allegations against him.

“Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” Akpan said.

The lawyer further alleged that DSS operatives moved to effect the arrest without producing any warrant or written directive and physically seized El-Rufai’s international passport. He described the action as unlawful and a violation of constitutional safeguards.

Akpan cited Sections 35, 36, 34, 41 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee personal liberty, fair hearing, dignity of the human person, freedom of movement, and the right to own property.

He maintained that El-Rufai, who had been abroad for medical treatment and rest, returned to Nigeria despite alleged prior intelligence of plans to arrest him, insisting that his client was ready to honour any lawful summons.

The statement demanded the immediate return of El-Rufai’s passport, cessation of any attempt to detain him without due process, and a formal apology from the authorities involved.

Akpan also vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible for what he termed unconstitutional conduct, stating that the judiciary would be approached for redress.

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