Lawyers condemn attempt to arrest El-Rufai at Abuja airport

Lawyers to former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has accused security operatives of attempting to unlawfully arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, describing the move as a violation of his constitutional rights.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the legal team, led by Ubong Esop Akpan, alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) tried to detain El-Rufai upon his arrival from Cairo aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877 without presenting a warrant or formal invitation.

The lawyers described the incident as “illegal” and “an abuse of state power,” claiming the operatives failed to provide any legal documentation authorising the arrest.

According to the statement, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier sent an invitation to El-Rufai while he was out of the country.

His legal representatives said they formally communicated with the commission since December 2025, assuring that he would honour the invitation upon his return.

They added that the EFCC was notified that the former governor would voluntarily appear 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,” the statement said.

The lawyers further alleged that security operatives seized El-Rufai’s international passport during the encounter, describing the action as unlawful and a violation of his property and movement rights.

They claimed that bystanders at the airport questioned the legality of the attempted arrest and insisted that due process be followed.

Citing several provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the legal team argued that the attempted arrest breached El-Rufai’s rights to personal liberty, fair hearing, dignity, freedom of movement, and property.

The counsel maintained that their client remains willing to cooperate with lawful investigations and would honour all legitimate summons from law enforcement agencies.

“El-Rufai will never evade law enforcement and will present himself whenever properly invited,” the statement added.

The legal team demanded the immediate return of his passport, an end to what they described as unlawful actions, and a formal apology from the agencies involved. They also threatened legal action against those responsible.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor the EFCC had issued an official response to the allegations.