El-Rufai’s Lawyers Condemn ‘Unlawful Attempted Arrest’ Of Ex-Kaduna Governor

Counsels to former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, have condemned what they described as an “unlawful attempted arrest” of the former governor by security operatives upon his arrival in Abuja on Monday afternoon.

In a statement issued on Thursday, February 12, 2026, and signed by Ubong Esop Akpan of The Chambers of Ubong Akpan, the legal team alleged that El-Rufai was accosted by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after disembarking from Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo, without any arrest warrant or formal invitation being presented.

“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,” the statement read.

The law firm also noted that they had reached out to the agency to inform them that El-Ruafi would appear before them on Monday.

“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,” they said.

“Upon his arrival, security operatives from the Department of State Services moved to arrest Malam El-Rufai without presenting any warrant or formal invitation,” Akpan said.

“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.”

The statement further alleged that the operatives “physically snatched” El-Rufai’s international passport during the confrontation, an act the lawyers described as “nothing short of stealing — the unlawful taking of private property by agents of the state acting without colour of authority.”

“Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity.”

Eyewitnesses at the airport were said to have intervened, insisting that the former governor could only be arrested upon presentation of a legitimate warrant. The statement described their reaction as “a testament to the citizenry’s unyielding commitment to the rule of law.”

Akpan listed several sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which he said were violated by the attempted arrest including Sections 34, 35, 36, 41, and 44, covering rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, freedom of movement, and ownership of property.

“This premeditated interception at the airport exemplifies lawlessness and an abuse of state power,” Akpan added.

“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.”

The statement stressed that El-Rufai had no intention of evading any lawful investigation.

“Let us make it publicly and abundantly clear that Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai will never take the cowardly route of running away from law enforcement. And he will honour, without preconditions, all legitimate law enforcement summons.”

The legal team vowed to pursue legal action against all individuals and agencies involved, insisting that “the judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter.”

As of press time, neither the EFCC nor the DSS had issued an official response to the allegations.