Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has stated that former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is experiencing what he described as “karma” rather than political persecution, following reports that security operatives allegedly attempted to confiscate his international passport.
Adeyanju made the comments on Friday during an appearance on ARISE PrimeTime, a public affairs programme aired on Arise News. He said he was not persuaded that there was any definite plan to arrest the former governor.
“I am not convinced there was any plan to arrest Mallam El-Rufai. He is always extremely sensational and dramatic. He knew what he was doing when he arrived; he came prepared for the cameras. I think what they wanted was to target his passport, and the DSS got his passport. If there was a plan to arrest him, they would have done that,” he said.
Legal Framework for Arrest
According to Adeyanju, Nigerian law outlines specific procedures for detaining individuals, either through a warrant issued by a competent court or based on probable cause as permitted under existing statutes.
He argued that if the authorities genuinely intended to arrest El-Rufai, there are clearly defined legal channels through which such action could have been executed.
The activist further alleged that during El-Rufai’s administration as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023, some critics were detained without warrants.
He referenced former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, as well as Kaduna-based journalist and activist Steven Kefas, as individuals who had public disagreements with the former governor.
“He was lucky that his passport was taken from him,” Adeyanju said, suggesting that the way leaders exercise power often influences how the public perceives them when they later come under investigation.
Call for Investigation and Due Process
Adeyanju emphasised that no public official should be above the law, adding that any allegations of financial impropriety or abuse of office must be subjected to thorough and impartial investigation.
He urged anti-corruption and security agencies not to be swayed by what he described as blackmail or pressure in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
“Immediately you are on the DSS watchlist, it goes without saying that they will target your passport. It has happened to Natasha Akpoti and Omoyele Sowore, and the same thing is what happened to El-Rufai. I believe they don’t want to arrest him,” he added.
He also drew parallels with former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, indicating that El-Rufai was not the only former official facing heightened scrutiny.
“My call is for El-Rufai to be investigated. I am saying his rights must be respected. When they were in power, they behaved like gods; they didn’t always follow due process. Teachers went to court and obtained a restraining order against El-Rufai while he was governor not to sack them, but he proceeded with the dismissals. I am calling for him to be investigated for alleged corruption. Some of his aides have reportedly faced investigations; he should submit himself. Oppressors of yesterday cannot become heroes of today,” he said.
No Official Confirmation
As of the time of filing this report, neither El-Rufai nor the Department of State Services has issued an official statement confirming the reported seizure of his passport or any alleged plan to arrest him.
What you should know
Deji Adeyanju has dismissed claims that Nasir El-Rufai is being persecuted, describing the situation instead as “karma.”
Speaking on Arise News, he said he does not believe there was any concrete plan to arrest the former Kaduna governor but suggested that security operatives may have targeted his passport.
Adeyanju called for a lawful investigation into any allegations against El-Rufai while insisting that his fundamental rights must be respected.
As of now, neither El-Rufai nor the DSS has publicly confirmed the reported passport seizure or any planned arrest.
