El-Rufai Details Airport Confrontation and Expresses Sole Fear of God
Former Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has publicly addressed an incident where he narrowly avoided an attempted arrest by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The event occurred shortly after El-Rufai returned from a trip to Egypt, with security personnel approaching him as he disembarked from his flight.
Airport Standoff and Demand for Documentation
In an interview with journalist Maishanu, El-Rufai recounted the encounter, stating that a suited individual identified as DSS and requested he accompany them to their office. "I said, 'I need a document.' And they said, 'We will give you the document,'" he explained. When additional leaders of the security team arrived, El-Rufai refused to comply without proper documentation, emphasizing his rights in a democratic setting. He noted that approximately 50 operatives were present during the confrontation.
Alleged ICPC Involvement and Accusations Against Nuhu Ribadu
El-Rufai claimed that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), under Chairman Nuhu Ribadu, orchestrated the attempted arrest by procuring the DSS. "We learnt that it was the ICPC that procured the DSS to do the abduction. I was supposed to be abducted by the DSS and handed over to the ICPC," he asserted. He clarified that the ICPC had never formally invited him, shifting blame from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the ICPC for the incident.
El-Rufai's Stance on Integrity and Upcoming EFCC Appearance
Asserting his innocence, El-Rufai declared, "I fear nothing but God." He challenged anyone with evidence of wrongdoing to come forward, highlighting that both the EFCC and ICPC have investigated his administration for over two years without finding any misconduct. He confirmed his willingness to cooperate with authorities, scheduling an appearance before the EFCC on Monday, 16 February at 10 a.m.
Concerns Over Governance and Executive Overreach
Beyond the immediate incident, El-Rufai expressed broader fears about Nigeria's political climate. "I'm afraid of tyranny, undemocratic acts, a non-functioning legislature, and a judiciary weaponised against the opposition," he stated. He emphasized that even the president cannot compel him unlawfully in a democracy, recounting how passengers and greeters at the airport assisted him in leaving the scene.
Background on El-Rufai's Recent Statements on National Security
This incident follows recent remarks by El-Rufai on Nigeria's security architecture, where he warned of a shift from national security to "regime security." In a statement dated February 8, 2026, he criticized the use of security institutions to protect those in power rather than citizens' rights and safety.
The interview, lasting about three and a half minutes, captured El-Rufai's calm demeanor as he addressed these issues, underscoring his commitment to the rule of law and transparency in governance.
