The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested several security operatives over a security breach at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport during the failed arrest of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The incident occurred on February 12 when El-Rufai returned to Nigeria from Egypt. Although operatives reportedly attempted to arrest him at the airport, the move was unsuccessful. However, his international passport was seized.
The former governor’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, had earlier confirmed the development, stating that security agents tried to arrest his principal without presenting a formal invitation letter.
He wrote on X, “Security agents today attempted to arrest Malam Nasir@elrufai as he arrived on a flight from Cairo. Malam El- Rufai declined to follow them without a formal Invitation. They however snatched his international passport from an aide.”
El-Rufai later honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was reportedly questioned for three days before being granted bail. He was subsequently arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Providing an update, the DSS stated on Tuesday that the arrest attempt at the airport failed because El-Rufai allegedly bribed certain security operatives upon arrival. The agency, however, clarified that not all those detained collected bribes, but some allegedly consented to the act and would face sanctions.
According to the statement, a joint investigation conducted by the DSS, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation led to the detention of five officers.
The officers listed include Ayuba Yakubu (ASP) of the Police, Murtala Inuwa of the DSS, Najeeb Murtala (ASI) of the NIS, Musa Adamu of Aviation Security (AVSEC), and Salihu Victor of AVSEC.
“They have all confessed to receiving bribes to facilitate unauthorized entry into Restricted Areas, to obstruct lawful security operation in an unprecedented manner.
“They have been handed over to Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for prosecution.
“Others from NIS and NCS whose involvement is not criminal; that is, did not receive bribe, but abuse their uniforms to facilitate unauthorized access, will face administrative action,” the statement added.