By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
Abuja, Nigeria — Lawyers to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have strongly condemned what they described as an unlawful attempt by security operatives to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, despite prior communication confirming his readiness to honour an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement issued Thursday, counsel to the former governor, Ubong Esop Akpan, alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to arrest El-Rufai upon his arrival from Cairo aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877.
Lawyers Allege “Flagrant Violation” of Rights
According to the legal team, the EFCC had earlier delivered an invitation letter to El-Rufai’s residence while he was reportedly out of the country, making immediate compliance impracticable.
The lawyers said they had formally notified the anti-graft agency as far back as December 2025 that their client would honour the invitation upon his return to Nigeria.
They further disclosed that on Wednesday, they informed the EFCC that El-Rufai would voluntarily appear at the Commission’s office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, to respond to the issues raised.
“Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” the statement read.
Allegations of No Warrant, Passport Seizure
The legal team claimed that security operatives attempted to arrest El-Rufai without presenting a warrant or formal documentation. They also alleged that his international passport was seized without lawful authority.
According to the statement, when El-Rufai requested to see official documentation authorising the arrest, none was produced.
Eyewitnesses at the airport reportedly questioned the legality of the move, with some bystanders insisting that due process must be strictly followed.
Constitutional Provisions Cited
El-Rufai’s counsel cited multiple provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), including:
- Section 35 — Right to personal liberty
- Section 36 — Right to fair hearing
- Section 34 — Right to dignity of the human person
- Section 41 — Freedom of movement
- Section 44 — Right to own property
The lawyers argued that the attempted arrest contravened these constitutional guarantees and accused authorities of executive overreach.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the EFCC nor the DSS had issued an official response to the allegations.
— Newspot Nigeria
