Counsel to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused security operatives of attempting to unlawfully arrest his client upon his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, from Cairo, Egypt.
In a statement dated February 12, 2026, and signed by Ubong Akpan of the Chambers of Ubong Akpan, the lawyer alleged that operatives moved against El-Rufai shortly after he landed aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877.
“We unequivocally condemn the attempted illegal arrest of our client by security operatives this afternoon upon his arrival in Abuja. This is a flagrant violation of constitutional rights, executive overreach, and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law,” Akpan stated.
EFCC Invitation and Planned Appearance
According to the lawyer, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier sent an invitation to El-Rufai while he was already outside the country. He described the move as impractical, noting that the EFCC had been informed since December 2025 that El-Rufai would comply upon his return.
“The invitation from the EFCC was delivered to Malam El-Rufai’s residence while he was already abroad, rendering it inherently illogical to demand immediate attendance,” Akpan said.
He added that the commission was explicitly notified that El-Rufai would appear voluntarily at its office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
“Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” he stated.
Allegations Against Security Operatives
Akpan further alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to arrest El-Rufai without presenting a warrant or formal letter of invitation.
“Upon his arrival, security operatives moved to arrest Malam El-Rufai without presenting any warrant or letter. When he demanded to see the invitation, none could be produced—no document, no signed directive, no lawful process,” the statement read.
The lawyer also claimed that operatives seized El-Rufai’s international passport during the incident, describing the act as unlawful.
“In the same unlawful manner, operatives physically snatched his international passport. This act is nothing short of stealing—the unlawful taking of private property by agents of the state acting without colour of authority,” he said.
He alleged that some passengers and airport users intervened, insisting that due process be followed.
Demand for Redress
Akpan argued that the attempted arrest violated constitutional provisions, including rights to personal liberty, fair hearing, dignity, freedom of movement, and property ownership.
He demanded the immediate cessation of any effort to detain El-Rufai, the return of his passport, and a formal apology.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional cessation of all unlawful efforts to detain Malam El-Rufai, the immediate return of his stolen passport, and a formal apology for this egregious infringement on his dignity and rights,” he said.
The lawyer emphasized that El-Rufai would honour all legitimate law enforcement summons.
“Let it be publicly clear: Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai will never take the cowardly route of running away from law enforcement. He will honour, without preconditions, all legitimate law-enforcement summons,” Akpan stated.
He added that legal action would be pursued against those responsible for the alleged incident.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not officially responded to the allegations.
What you should know
The controversy centres on an alleged attempt by security operatives to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, upon his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja from Cairo, Egypt, on February 12, 2026.
According to his lawyer, Ubong Akpan, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier sent an invitation to El-Rufai while he was abroad, requesting his appearance.
The legal team maintains that they formally notified the commission in December 2025 that El-Rufai would honour the invitation upon his return to Nigeria. They also claim that the EFCC was informed he would appear voluntarily on February 16, 2026.
The counsel alleges that despite this arrangement, operatives—believed to be from the Department of State Services (DSS)—attempted to arrest El-Rufai at the airport without presenting a warrant or written directive. The lawyer further claims that his client’s international passport was seized during the encounter.
El-Rufai’s team describes the incident as a violation of constitutional rights and due process, while affirming his willingness to comply with lawful investigations. As of the time of reporting, security agencies have not issued an official response to the allegations.
