By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
Tension erupted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday following reports that security operatives attempted to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, upon his return from Cairo, Egypt.
The incident came amid confirmation that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had invited the former governor for questioning.
In a statement issued by his counsel, Ubong Esop Akpan, the legal team acknowledged receiving the EFCC invitation but described the manner of its delivery and the alleged airport action as improper. According to Akpan, the invitation was delivered to El-Rufai’s residence while he was out of the country, making immediate compliance impractical.
The lawyer disclosed that since December 2025, El-Rufai’s legal team had been in communication with the EFCC, assuring the commission of his willingness to honour the invitation upon his return. He added that the EFCC was formally notified that the former governor would appear at its office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
However, Akpan alleged that despite this assurance, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to arrest El-Rufai at the airport without presenting a warrant or formal invitation letter. He further claimed that the operatives seized the former governor’s international passport during the encounter.
El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, also alleged on social media that security agents approached the former governor on arrival but that he declined to accompany them without a formal invitation.
As of Thursday evening, security agencies had not issued an official statement on the incident.
The development follows El-Rufai’s recent remarks in a BBC Hausa interview, where he stated that he could be arrested at any time and alleged that some of his former associates in Kaduna had already been detained.
Observers say the unfolding situation may heighten political tensions, especially amid ongoing alignments ahead of future elections.
