El-Rufai Demands Due Process After Airport Confrontation with Security Operatives
Former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai has publicly responded to what his media team describes as an attempted arrest by security agents at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 12, 2026, shortly after El-Rufai returned from Cairo, Egypt, according to a detailed statement issued by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye.
Airport Confrontation and Passport Seizure
The statement from Adekeye provided specific details about the encounter, alleging that security personnel approached El-Rufai upon his arrival and attempted to take him into custody without presenting proper documentation. "Security agents today attempted to arrest Malam Nasir El-Rufai as he arrived on a flight from Cairo," the statement read. "Malam El-Rufai declined to follow them without a formal invitation. They however snatched his international passport from an aide."
Visual evidence of the incident quickly spread across various social media platforms, with photographs and video clips circulating widely and generating significant political commentary. The images showed a tense scene at the airport as El-Rufai engaged with the security personnel while maintaining his position regarding proper procedure.
El-Rufai's Firm Stance on Formal Procedures
Speaking directly about the development, the former governor emphasized his commitment to following established legal protocols. "Nobody, listen nobody, not even the president will have to tell you I have to do anything. It is a free country," El-Rufai declared. "If you have a letter and you want to invite me then send a letter."
In response to the situation, El-Rufai has reportedly communicated with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding his availability for questioning. According to emerging reports, the former governor has formally notified the anti-corruption agency of his intention to appear at their offices by 10 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Background of EFCC Investigation and Political Context
The airport incident follows months of escalating tension between El-Rufai and anti-corruption agencies. The former governor had traveled out of Nigeria on November 30, 2025, and during his absence, the EFCC reportedly delivered an invitation letter to his residence in December. This action fueled speculation that authorities might attempt to detain him immediately upon his return to the country.
The investigation into El-Rufai's administration has deep roots in political developments from previous years:
- In March 2024, his successor, Governor Uba Sani, initiated a formal probe into El-Rufai's tenure as Kaduna State governor
- El-Rufai subsequently challenged the findings of this probe before the Federal High Court
- Both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are currently investigating corruption allegations related to his time in office
- El-Rufai has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming he is being politically persecuted
Political Ramifications and Broader Security Concerns
The latest development has intensified political debate across Nigeria, particularly as El-Rufai has recently become associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Political observers suggest the coming days could prove decisive as the former governor prepares to honor the EFCC invitation while maintaining his demand for proper procedure.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of El-Rufai's recent public statements about Nigeria's security architecture. In a statement titled "National Security, Justice, and the People's Wellbeing: Reclaiming the Purpose of Power" dated February 8, 2026, the former governor expressed concerns that security institutions were increasingly being used to protect those in power rather than safeguard citizens' lives, rights, and dignity.
El-Rufai warned that the country was drifting from genuine national security toward what he described as "regime security," suggesting that security agencies were being deployed to serve political interests rather than public safety. These comments have added another layer of complexity to the current confrontation between the former governor and security operatives.
As the situation develops, all eyes remain on the scheduled Monday meeting between El-Rufai and EFCC officials, with many anticipating that this encounter could have significant implications for Nigeria's political landscape and the ongoing anti-corruption efforts in the country.
