Security Agents Allegedly Attempt to Arrest Former Kaduna Governor El‑Rufai at Abuja Airport

On Thursday, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai was reportedly intercepted by security operatives at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after arriving from Cairo.

According to his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, the agents attempted to take him into custody without presenting a warrant and reportedly seized his international passport from an aide.

Eyewitnesses said El‑Rufai refused to comply, insisting that any arrest must be supported by a formal invitation or court-issued warrant. His legal team, led by Ubong Esop Akpan, described the incident as a “flagrant violation of constitutional rights” and “executive overreach”, demanding the immediate return of the passport and a formal apology.

The attempted arrest comes after El‑Rufai’s defection from the ruling APC to the ADC and his recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He had warned in a recent interview that he could face targeting, following the detention of four former Kaduna associates.

El‑Rufai’s lawyers also noted that the EFCC had already invited him for questioning, and he had committed to appear voluntarily on February 16, 2026, making the airport interception “arbitrary” and “unlawful.”

As of Thursday evening, no official statement had been issued by the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Federal Airport Authority, or any security agency. The incident has drawn public attention, raising concerns about political intimidation and the importance of due process.

• Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El‑Rufai allegedly targeted at Abuja airport; passport reportedly seized.

• Legal team claims constitutional rights were violated; no warrant was presented.

• Incident follows defection to ADC and criticism of Tinubu administration, highlighting concerns over political intimidation.

The confrontation underscores tensions between Nigeria’s political opposition and state security agencies, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to constitutional procedures in law enforcement actions.