Security Agents Reportedly Attempt to Arrest El-Rufai, Photo, Video Emerge
- Mallam Nasir El-Rufai allegedly faced attempted arrest by security agents upon returning to Nigeria from Cairo
- The opposition figure is reportedly set to appear before the EFCC amid purported ongoing corruption investigations
- El-Rufai bemoaned that the ruling APC's 'pressure' on politicians and fears an imminent arrest by the federal government
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
FCT, Abuja - Muyiwa Adekeye, media adviser to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Thursday, February 12, alleged that security agents attempted to arrest his principal upon his arrival on a flight from Cairo, Egypt.
According to Adekeye, El-Rufai refused to accompany the agents at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, without a formal invitation, after which they reportedly seized his passport from an aide.
Source: Twitter
Alleged attempt to arrest El-Rufai
The full statement from Adekeye, accompanied by the trending photo and video, reads:
"Security agents today attempted to arrest Malam Nasir El-Rufai as he arrived on a flight from Cairo. Malam El- Rufai declined to follow them without a formal Invitation. They however snatched his international passport from an aide."
Meanwhile, Premium Times reported that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain has notified the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he will appear at their office by 10 a.m. on Monday, February 16.
EFCC invites El-Rufai
El-Rufai travelled abroad on November 30, 2025. During his absence, the EFCC delivered a letter of invitation to his residence in December 2025, fuelling speculation that he could be arrested upon his return to Nigeria.
In March 2024, El-Rufai’s successor as governor, Uba Sani, set in motion a probe into El-Rufai’s tenure. El-Rufai challenged the probe report at the Federal High Court.
However, the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are investigating many of the corruption allegations against El-Rufai and persons who worked with him. The former governor has denied any wrongdoing and has alleged that he is being persecuted.
Source: Facebook
El-Rufai anticipates arrest
During an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, February 11, El-Rufai claimed that he could be arrested at any time by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.
He also accused the APC of mounting pressure on politicians to defect to the ruling party.
The ex-governor stated that some of his associates have already been detained.
El-Rufai’s remarks come against the backdrop of the arrest and ongoing trial of Abubakar Malami, the former attorney-general of the federation (AGF).
Read more on Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai:
- Northern group carpets El-Rufai over attacks on Tinubu, Ribadu: “You have no moral right”
- "Let me not say this": APC reacts to El-Rufai’s absence from NEC meeting in Abuja
2027 election: Source shares El-Rufai's plan
Legit.ng earlier reported that a source in the opposition privy to the ongoing developments confirmed that El-Rufai was not contesting any elective position in the 2027 election.
The source said El-Rufai was only focused on mobilising against President Bola Tinubu's second-term agenda.
One prominent associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who contested the 2023 presidential election but lost to Tinubu, and is now relating with El-Rufai, divulged that what the ex-Kaduna governor is interested in is sending Tinubu and his people back to Lagos.
Source: Legit.ng
