₦airaland Forum

Counsel to former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai, has strongly condemned what they described as an unlawful attempt by security operatives to arrest their client upon his arrival in Abuja on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

According to a statement issued by Ubong Esop Akpan of the Chambers of Ubong Akpan, El‑Rufai was intercepted at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after arriving on Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo. The lawyers alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to arrest him without presenting a warrant or formal invitation, and forcibly seized his international passport.

El‑Rufai’s counsel described the incident as a violation of constitutional rights, citing provisions on personal liberty, fair hearing, dignity, freedom of movement, and property ownership. “There was only raw power, unclothed by law,” the statement read, adding that ordinary Nigerians at the airport protested against the action.

The lawyers demanded the immediate return of El‑Rufai’s passport, cessation of any unlawful detention efforts, and a formal apology. They stressed that El‑Rufai would honour all legitimate law enforcement summons and vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible.

The statement reads, “As counsel to Malam Nasir El-Rufai, we unequivocally condemn the attempted illegal arrest of our client by security operatives this afternoon upon his arrival in Abuja via Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo. This is a flagrant violation of constitutional rights, executive overreach, and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law.

“The invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was delivered to Malam El-Rufai’s residence while he was already abroad, rendering it inherently illogical and impractical to demand immediate attendance to answer purported allegations. Such an approach defies reason, as it presumes instantaneous compliance from an individual outside the jurisdiction, without regard for logistical realities or legal fairness. In response, we formally communicated with the EFCC on his behalf since December 2025, assuring compliance upon his return. Yesterday, we explicitly notified them that he would voluntarily appear at their office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, specifying the precise place and time for addressing the invitation. Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity.

“Upon his arrival, security operatives from the Department of State Services moved to arrest Malam El-Rufai without presenting any warrant or formal invitation. When he calmly demanded to see the letter of invitation — a basic entitlement of any citizen facing state action — none could be produced. No document, no signed directive, no lawful process. There was only raw power, unclothed by law. 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 open display of oppression, surrounded the scene and insisted loudly that he could only be arrested upon a legitimate process. Their voices, defiant and unbowed, were a testament to the citizenry’s unyielding commitment to the rule of law, even as state agents acted in flagrant disregard of it. That citizens had to remind security operatives of the Constitution is both shameful and instructive.

“No government agency possesses unfettered authority to detain citizens without due process. All public institutions and officials are bound by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which mandates adherence to legal protocols.

“This attempted arrest directly infringes upon key constitutional provisions guaranteeing fundamental freedoms, including:

Section 35 (Right to Personal Liberty): requires that any arrest be justified and conducted in accordance with lawful procedures, such as reasonable suspicion and prompt judicial oversight.

Section 36 (Right to fair hearing): safeguards against executive actions that prejudice judicial processes.

Section 34 (Right to Dignity of Human Person): Subsection (1)(a) protects citizens from mistreatment during arrest that assaults personal dignity.

Section 41 (Right to Freedom of Movement): guarantees entry without arbitrary interception. The unlawful seizure of his passport directly restrains this right.

There exists no justifiable basis for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment. Despite prior intelligence of plans to effect this arrest, Malam El-Rufai proceeded with his return following medical treatment and rest abroad, publicly affirming his commitment to face any legitimate inquiry. This premeditated interception at the airport exemplifies lawlessness and an abuse of state power.

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.

Let us make it publicly and abundantly clear:

1. MALAM NASIR AHMAD EL RUFAI WILL NEVER TAKE THE COWARDLY ROUTE OF RUNNING AWAY FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT.


2. HE WILL HONOUR, WITHOUT PRECONDITIONS, ALL LEGITIMATE LAW ENFORCEMENT SUMMONS.

Legal action will be pursued against all persons and agencies responsible for this unconstitutional conduct to uphold accountability and deter future abuses. The judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter, and we shall seek redress through all available legal channels to protect the sanctity of the law.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/el-rufais-lawyers-condemn-arrest-attempt-at-abuja-airport/Hello 👋

Please don't make racist and tribalistic comments on this thread. It get why

Just take your chewing stick along, every other thing you will need are already in EFCC cell.

ADC will soon claim persecution, dubious politicians parading themselves as patriotic opposition

Let him go and clear himself. From EFCC TO DSS, Ibhave no sympathy to waste on the slaughterer in chief of Southern Kaduna

Fearless Malam

blamingthedevil:
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/el-rufais-lawyers-condemn-arrest-attempt-at-abuja-airport/

let rufai go answer his query

I believe this is coming from where he governed, likely not from federal government

curiobling:
Fearless Malam

Passport of Mallam Ilia.

blamingthedevil:
There exists no justifiable basis for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment. Despite prior intelligence of plans to effect this arrest, Malam El-Rufai proceeded with his return following medical treatment and rest abroad, publicly affirming his commitment to face any legitimate inquiry. This premeditated interception at the airport exemplifies lawlessness and an abuse of state power.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/el-rufais-lawyers-condemn-arrest-attempt-at-abuja-airport/

El Rufai is sick, he couldn't use our healthcare services in Nigeria and it didn’t make headlines??

Ayam not understanding.

Toh
Jagaban, the great slayer of Arewa
Kaduna Mafia

Okay. Monday then . Until then

They should detain him if found wanting

yarimo:
ADC will soon claim persecution, dubious politicians parading themselves as patriotic opposition

But if el rufai is still in APC and he is being prosecuted by opposition party, you would have called it persecution too, wouldn't you?

freeborn02:
But if el rufai is still in APC and he is being prosecuted by opposition party, you would have called it persecution too, wouldn't you?

I won't do you have any problem with that?

yarimo:
I won't do you have any problem with that?

Yes, you will. Stop deceiving yourself.

Tilumbu


Omo oooooooooooooooo

Tilumbu

APC

Terrorist oooooooooooooooo

Tilumbu

APC clueless party

Fear of EFCC

What a zoo

Reno Omokri is an Ambassador of nowhere

Yarimo,helinues .Lif Malam El Rufai alone. .He is not a CRIMINAL .He is a "MACBAN" Miyetti Allah cattle breeders Association of Nigeria CHAIRMAN

Lock him up in one Southern Kaduna village without any security and throw away the key.

Has he paid back the Money the Court Judgement told him,since over a year now.
Here is a man who puts his Sons and Family Members into Govt-and as Assembly Members.
Don't he and Family Members have other jobs than to be in Govt alone?
Imagine the number of Christians that died during his governor for 8- years?
Imagine the Bloodbath in Kaduna by the Fulani-herdsmen,yet None of the Fulani was caught to pay for their Sins.

nobody is above the law

Why is Tinubu afraid of opposition ADC party members.. intimidating and wants to arrest them..I thought he said they are not threat to him concerning 2027 election

FreeStuffsNG:
El Rufai is sick, he couldn't use our healthcare services in Nigeria and it didn’t make headlines??

Ayam not understanding.

Is he currently holding any political office or did Tinubu make use of our medical services while he was a private citizen?

frog12:
nobody is above the law

This statement should be directed to the DSS not El-Rufai.

Did you read the news at all boy?

FreeStuffsNG:
El Rufai is sick, he couldn't use our healthcare services in Nigeria and it didn’t make headlines??

Ayam not understanding.

Don't throw stones in a glass house ogbeni. They are all following Tinubu's shining example. At least Cairo is in Africa. Where is France? Hypocrites!

Putindbutt:
Just take your chewing stick along, every other thing you will need are already in EFCC cell.

You and your people will pay for all your atrocities when the time comes.
I think Hausas and Fulanis already know the enemy 😀😀😂

Lol…when it comes to give account of how they spent while in government English go start

Long overdue

He should get ready for dss too