El-Rufai’s Legal Team Condemns Attempted Unlawful Arrest At AbujaAirport
By: Zagazola Makama
The legal team of Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has condemned what it described as an unlawful attempt by security operatives to arrest the former Kaduna State governor upon his arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, from Cairo, Egypt.
In a statement signed by his counsel, Ubong Esop Akpan of The Chambers of Ubong Akpan, the team alleged that operatives attempted the arrest without a warrant or lawful directive and confiscated El-Rufai’s international passport during the incident.
The statement said the EFCC invitation that reportedly triggered the operation was delivered to El-Rufai’s residence while he was abroad. The former governor had already communicated with the agency since December 2025, indicating his willingness to respond upon return. He had specifically notified the commission that he would appear at their office at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
“Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” the statement said, adding that citizens present at the airport intervened, insisting that any arrest must comply with constitutional procedures.
The statement further argued that the attempted arrest violated key constitutional provisions, including Section 35 (Right to Personal Liberty), Section 36 (Right to Fair Hearing), Section 34 (Right to Dignity of the Human Person), Section 41 (Freedom of Movement), and Section 44 (Right to Own Property).
El-Rufai’s legal team demanded the immediate cessation of all unlawful actions, the return of his passport, and a formal apology from the authorities involved. They warned that legal action would be pursued against all responsible parties to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.
The statement emphasized that El-Rufai remains committed to honouring all legitimate law enforcement summons and will seek redress through the judiciary.
No immediate response was received from the EFCC or other security agencies regarding the allegations.
