El-Rufai Challenges Attempts By Security To Detention Him, Passport Seized ‘I Will Never Run Away

Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State Governor has condemned what he described as an illegal attempt to arrest him by security operatives at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja.

Here’s a polished rephrasing of your text while keeping all the key points intact:

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has condemned what he described as an illegal attempt to arrest him by security operatives at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja.

Panic As Fuel Tanker Explodes In Ibadan
Through a statement issued by his lawyer, Ubong Esop Akpan, El-Rufai criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for sending a letter of invitation while he was abroad. He also rebuked operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) for trying to detain him at the airport without presenting a warrant or formal invitation.

El-Rufai maintained that there was no legal basis for the attempted arrest or the mistreatment he endured, emphasizing that he would never take the “cowardly route” of fleeing from law enforcement.

Tragedy Averted: Peter Obi Reacts To Anthony Joshua’s Road Crash, Reveals No Ambulance Was Ready
The statement read:

“As legal counsel to Malam Nasir El-Rufai, we strongly condemn the attempted unlawful arrest of our client this afternoon upon his arrival in Abuja via Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo. This represents a blatant violation of constitutional rights, executive overreach, and a disregard for the rule of law.

The EFCC’s invitation was delivered to Mr. El-Rufai’s residence while he was abroad, making immediate compliance impossible. In response, we formally communicated with the EFCC since December 2025, assuring that he would comply upon his return. On February 15, 2026, we confirmed he would appear at their office by 10:00 a.m. on February 16, 2026. Attempting arrest despite this commitment is arbitrary and undermines procedural integrity.

Upon arrival, DSS operatives attempted to detain Mr. El-Rufai without presenting any warrant or official summons. When he requested to see the invitation — a basic citizen entitlement — none could be provided. They also seized his international passport without legal authority, an act tantamount to theft of private property.

Citizens at the airport demanded adherence to due process, underscoring public commitment to the Constitution even as state agents disregarded the law. No government agency has unlimited authority to detain citizens without due process.

This attempted arrest violated several constitutional provisions, including:

Section 35 (Right to Personal Liberty): requiring lawful procedures and judicial oversight for any arrest.

Section 36 (Right to Fair Hearing): protecting against executive prejudice.

Section 34 (Right to Dignity): safeguarding citizens from mistreatment.

Section 41 (Right to Freedom of Movement): protecting entry without arbitrary interference.

Section 44 (Right to Own Property): prohibiting unlawful seizure of property, including passports.

There is no justifiable reason for this action. Despite prior knowledge of the arrest plan, Mr. El-Rufai returned to Nigeria following medical treatment abroad and reaffirmed his willingness to comply with legitimate inquiries. This premeditated interception exemplifies abuse of state power.

We demand:

Immediate cessation of all unlawful attempts to detain Mr. El-Rufai.

Prompt return of his seized passport.

A formal apology for the violation of his rights and dignity.

Let it be clear: Malam Nasir El-Rufai will never flee from law enforcement and will honor all legitimate summons. Legal action will be pursued against those responsible to uphold accountability, with the judiciary as the ultimate arbiter.”