Security agents tried to arrest El-Rufai without warrant, seized passport — Lawyer

Counsel to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused security operatives of attempting to unlawfully arrest his client on Thursday afternoon upon his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, from Cairo, Egypt.

In a statement dated February 12, 2026, and signed by Ubong Akpan of the Chambers of Ubong Akpan, the lawyer said operatives moved against El-Rufai shortly after he landed aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo.

Akpan said, “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.”

According to the lawyer, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had earlier sent an invitation to El-Rufai while he was already outside the country, describing the move as unreasonable and impractical.

“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.”

He added that the commission had been notified that El-Rufai would appear voluntarily.

“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.

Akpan alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services attempted to arrest El-Rufai without presenting any warrant or formal invitation.

ADVERTISEMENT

“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,” the lawyer said.

The lawyer further accused the security operatives of seizing El-Rufai’s passport, saying that passengers and airport users intervened during the incident.

“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 said.

Akpan argued that the attempted arrest violated several constitutional provisions, including the rights 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, adding that El-Rufai returned to Nigeria despite alleged intelligence of plans to intercept him.

“This premeditated interception at the airport exemplifies lawlessness and an abuse of state power,” the statement read.

The counsel demanded an immediate halt to any effort to detain El-Rufai and the successful return of his passport.

“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,” Akpan said.

The lawyer also stressed that El-Rufai will honour, without preconditions, all legitimate law-enforcement summons.

“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,” he stated.

Akpan noted that legal action would be taken against those responsible for the attempted arrest of the former governor.

“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 officially responded to the allegations.