There was heightened tension on Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport following an alleged attempt by security operatives to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
At press time, neither the EFCC nor any other security agency had issued an official statement confirming the circumstances surrounding the attempted arrest or clarifying whether any formal charges or warrants have been issued.
Recall that apparently acting on a tip-off, El-Rufai made fresh allegations implicating the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, in what he describes as politically-motivated use of security agencies to detain opponents.
In a recent interview with BBC Hausa ahead of his arrival, El-Rufai claimed that credible information had indicated a planned arrest and detention upon his return – not based on substantive charges or evidence, but rather on behind-the-scenes pressure from security leadership.
According to the former governor, Ribadu “is actively pressing agencies to detain me without any case of wrongdoing,” asserting that the NSA had been influencing security and anti-graft bodies to act against him despite no formal accusation or investigative basis being made public. El-Rufai argued this reflected a pattern of selective prosecution, aimed at neutralising dissent and opposition voices rather than enforcing the law fairly.
The allegation stirred immediate controversy. Civil society and political watchdog group Democracy Watch Initiative criticised El-Rufai’s remarks as “reckless and unfounded”, warning that claims Ribadu “picks up his phone and calls any security outfit to arrest anybody without investigation” could undermine confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions if not substantiated.
Similarly, the Odua People’s Assembly sharply rejected the accusations against the NSA, emphasising that Ribadu lacks constitutional authority to unilaterally order arrests or interfere in judicial matters, and described the charges as misleading and damaging to national stability.
El-Rufai’s comments came amidst political tensions, including his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), his outspoken criticism of the current administration, and the explosive controversy over the botched attempted arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja upon his return from Cairo.
The incident reportedly occurred shortly after El-Rufai arrived in Abuja from Cairo, Egypt. Eyewitnesses said security agents approached the former governor at the airport with the intention of taking him into custody. However, the move was resisted at the scene, with supporters and bystanders insisting that he should not accompany the operatives without a formal written invitation or warrant.
According to his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai declined to follow the officers, maintaining that due process must be observed. He was said to have insisted that if any agency required his presence, it should issue a formal invitation rather than attempt an arrest at the airport. During the standoff, aides alleged that operatives briefly seized his international passport before withdrawing.
El-Rufai later condemned the development in a public statement, describing the attempted arrest as illegal and a violation of his constitutional rights. He said his legal team had already informed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of his willingness to honour any legitimate invitation and appear before the commission voluntarily on Monday, February 16, 2026.
His counsel, Ubong Esop Akpan, also criticised the airport operation, characterising it as a breach of procedural integrity and an infringement on rights to personal liberty, fair hearing and freedom of movement. The legal team called for the immediate return of his passport and warned that appropriate legal steps would be taken if necessary.
The incident has since drawn reactions from political figures and members of the public. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar described the development as a “national embarrassment,” warning that such actions could undermine democratic norms and institutional credibility. Other opposition voices echoed similar concerns, framing the episode as evidence of executive overreach.
Videos circulating on social media showed supporters chanting in solidarity with the former governor and challenging the operatives to follow lawful procedures.
The development has sparked widespread debate online, with Nigerians divided over issues of accountability, political rivalry and adherence to the rule of law.
