Counsel to Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, has alleged that operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) tried to arrest his client on Thursday afternoon at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after he arrived from Cairo, Egypt.
In a statement dated February 12, 2026, Ubong Akpan of the Chambers of Ubong Akpan said the incident occurred after El-Rufai landed aboard EgyptAir flight MS 877.
Akpan strongly condemned the development, describing it as unconstitutional and an abuse of power.
“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,” the statement read.
According to the lawyer, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had previously sent an invitation to El-Rufai while he was outside the country, which he described as unreasonable.
“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.
“We formally communicated with the EFCC since December 2025, assuring compliance upon his return.”
Akpan added that the EFCC had been formally notified that El-Rufai would appear voluntarily at its office.
“Yesterday, we explicitly informed them that he would appear at their 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.
The lawyer further alleged that operatives of the 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,” he said.
“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.
“Ordinary Nigerians present at the airport, incensed by this display, surrounded the scene and insisted loudly that he could only be arrested upon a legitimate process.
“That citizens had to remind security operatives of the Constitution is both shameful and instructive,” he added.
The counsel argued that the attempted arrest violated several constitutional rights, including those relating to personal liberty, fair hearing, dignity of the human person, freedom of movement, and property ownership.
“There exists no justifiable basis for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment,” he said, noting that El-Rufai returned to Nigeria despite alleged intelligence suggesting possible interception.
“This premeditated interception at the airport exemplifies lawlessness and an abuse of state power,” the statement added.
Akpan demanded the immediate cessation of any attempt to detain his client, the prompt return of the 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.
“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.
“Legal action will be pursued against all persons and agencies responsible for this unconstitutional conduct. The judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter, and we shall seek redress through all available legal channels to protect the sanctity of the law,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not issued an official response to the allegations.