Security operatives tried to arrest former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai this afternoon as he arrived at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, sparking a tense confrontation and prompting legal condemnation. Witnesses said officers attempted to detain him without presenting any warrant, and that his international passport was forcibly taken during the incident.
El-Rufai’s lawyers said the arrest was unlawful and that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had already been informed that he would comply with their invitation upon his return. According to the statement, sent by his counsel Ubong Esop Akpan, the former governor was expected to appear at the EFCC office at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026. “No document, no signed directive, no lawful process could be produced. There was only the use of force, unclothed by law,” the statement said.
Passengers and citizens at the airport reportedly surrounded the operatives during the attempted arrest, insisting that any detention must follow legal procedures. “That citizens had to remind security operatives of the Constitution is both shameful and instructive,” the statement added.
The legal team argued that the actions violated several constitutional provisions, including the right to personal liberty, fair hearing, dignity of the person, freedom of movement, and protection of property. The seizure of El-Rufai’s passport was highlighted as a direct restriction on his freedom of movement and ownership rights.
El-Rufai had returned from medical treatment abroad and had publicly affirmed his willingness to cooperate with any legitimate inquiry. His legal counsel said the attempted arrest appeared premeditated, despite prior communication confirming his voluntary appearance. The statement described the actions as “arbitrary conduct and undermining procedural integrity” and demanded the immediate return of his passport, cessation of unlawful detention efforts, and a formal apology.
Read Also: Seoul Says Kim Jong Un Picks Teen Daughter As Heir
“This attempted arrest directly infringes upon key constitutional provisions guaranteeing fundamental freedoms,” the statement said, adding that legal action would be pursued against all persons and agencies involved. It stressed that the judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter in disputes over constitutional rights and due process.
The EFCC has not issued a statement on the incident, and the Department of State Services (DSS) did not respond to requests for comment. Observers noted that the confrontation highlights ongoing tensions between high-profile political figures and federal enforcement agencies in Nigeria, raising questions about procedural transparency and the limits of executive authority.
El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. Over the years, he has been involved in multiple legal inquiries and investigations by federal agencies. Legal analysts say the case could set important precedents for how security operatives engage with politically prominent citizens and enforce constitutional safeguards.
The statement also emphasized El-Rufai’s long-standing commitment to cooperating with legitimate law enforcement. “Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai will honour, without preconditions, all legitimate law enforcement summons,” it read. “He will never take the cowardly route of running away from law enforcement.”
Social media and civil society groups reacted to the airport incident with criticism of the operatives’ conduct and calls for adherence to constitutional procedures. The public intervention at the airport was widely noted as a sign of civic awareness, with citizens reportedly insisting on lawful treatment in line with the Constitution.
Observers said the incident may also influence broader discussions on civil liberties, executive power, and the enforcement of legal protocols in Nigeria. Analysts noted that the outcome of any subsequent judicial review could have implications for the treatment of other public figures and citizens facing federal inquiries.
El-Rufai’s lawyers indicated that they would pursue all legal avenues to hold responsible parties accountable. The statement stressed the importance of protecting the sanctity of the law and preventing future abuses by security and enforcement agencies.
Read Also: Retired U.S. Army Colonel Sentenced for Leaking classified intel
No formal charges were announced in connection with Wednesday’s attempted arrest, and details about further legal proceedings have not been disclosed. The family’s counsel emphasized the need for privacy while preparing legal responses and said additional information regarding the incident would be provided in due course.
The confrontation at Abuja airport marks the latest high-profile clash between Nigerian political figures and federal enforcement agencies, drawing attention to the balance between citizen rights and state authority. It underscores ongoing debates about due process, procedural fairness, and the proper exercise of executive powers.