Counsel to former Kaduna state Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has condemned what he described as an “unlawful attempted arrest” of his client by security operatives upon his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Ubong Esop Akpan, of the Chambers of Ubong Akpan, alleged that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to arrest El-Rufai when he arrived aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo.
Akpan described the action as “a flagrant violation of constitutional rights, executive overreach, and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law.”
The lawyer explained that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier sent an invitation to El-Rufai while he was abroad. He said his chambers formally responded to the commission in December 2025, assuring that the former governor would comply upon his return to Nigeria.
Akpan added that the EFCC was notified on Wednesday that El-Rufai would voluntarily appear at its office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
“Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” Akpan said.
He further alleged that DSS operatives moved to arrest El-Rufai without presenting a warrant or formal letter of invitation.
“When he calmly demanded to see the letter of invitation, none could be produced. No document, no signed directive, no lawful process,” the statement said.
The lawyer also alleged that security operatives confiscated El-Rufai’s international passport without legal authority.
Akpan said the attempted arrest violated several provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), including sections relating to personal liberty, fair hearing, dignity of the human person, freedom of movement and right to property.
“There exists no justifiable basis for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment,” he said, adding that El-Rufai had returned to Nigeria after medical treatment abroad and had publicly expressed willingness to honour any lawful summons.
The lawyer demanded “the immediate and unconditional cessation of all unlawful efforts to detain” his client, the return of his passport and a formal apology.
He added that legal action would be pursued against those responsible for what he described as unconstitutional conduct.
The DSS and EFCC had not issued an official response to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
