What began as a routine arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport escalated into a dramatic standoff on Thursday as former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, allegedly resisted an attempt by security operatives to arrest him.
El-Rufai had just arrived aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo when plain-clothed operatives reportedly approached him at the arrival terminal.
Short video clips circulating on social media showed the former governor engaged in a heated exchange with the operatives, refusing to accompany them without formal documentation.
“Listen, nobody, not even the President, will tell me what to do. If you want to invite me, send a letter,” he was heard saying in one of the clips.
The situation reportedly escalated when operatives allegedly confiscated El-Rufai’s international passport from one of his aides, drawing the attention of passengers and airport officials.
It remains unclear which security agency initiated the move. However, a statement from his legal team pointed to the Department of State Services (DSS). Neither the DSS nor the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had issued an official statement as of press time.
In a statement issued by the Chambers of Ubong Akpan, El-Rufai’s lawyers described the attempted arrest as unlawful and unconstitutional.
They revealed that an invitation from the EFCC had been delivered to his residence while he was abroad, making immediate compliance impossible.
According to them, the commission had been informed since December 2025 that El-Rufai would honour the invitation upon his return.
The legal team maintained that he was scheduled to appear at the EFCC 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 read.
The lawyers further alleged that no warrant or written invitation was presented at the airport and described the seizure of his passport as a violation of his constitutional rights, including personal liberty and freedom of movement.
They demanded the immediate return of the passport, a formal apology, and an end to what they termed unlawful harassment, warning that legal action would be pursued if necessary.
The confrontation reportedly drew a crowd at the terminal, with some onlookers protesting what they described as a heavy-handed approach and insisting that due process be followed.
As of last night, security agencies had yet to respond publicly to the allegations, leaving questions surrounding the attempted arrest unanswered.