‘No need to kidnap you!’ – Atiku storms El-Rufai’s home after airport arrest drama

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Friday paid a solidarity visit to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following the alleged failed attempt to arrest him at the airport.

Atiku shared photos and video clips of the visit, stating that the move was necessary after what he described as a partisan move by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.

“Last night, I paid a solidarity visit to the former Governor of Kaduna State and stalwart of the African Democratic Congress, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, following the failed attempt by the partisan ICPC to arrest him at the airport upon his arrival in the country,” Atiku wrote.

Speaking during the visit, Atiku condemned the airport incident, insisting there was no justification for security agencies to embarrass the former governor publicly.

He said despite the situation, El-Rufai should focus on reuniting peacefully with his family.

“There is no reason for the authorities to embarrass you at the airport. There is no need for you to be kidnapped. They could allow you to return to your house and then invite you.

“We condemn it totally and we stand by you. We will protect your interest and the interest of every law-abiding Nigerian,” he said.

Atiku further alleged that the judiciary had previously been used to undermine the Peoples Democratic Party and warned that it must not be used against the ADC.

The visit followed the alleged attempt by security operatives to arrest El-Rufai on Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after he returned from Cairo.

El-Rufai’s lawyers, led by Ubong Esop Akpan, had earlier described the incident as unlawful, claiming operatives of the Department of State Services attempted to arrest him without presenting a warrant or formal invitation.

The legal team also said an earlier invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was sent to El-Rufai while he was already outside Nigeria, making immediate compliance impossible.

According to the lawyers, they had been in communication with the EFCC since December 2025 and had informed the commission that El-Rufai would honour the invitation by appearing at its office on February 16, 2026.

They also alleged that security operatives seized El-Rufai’s international passport during the airport encounter without presenting any legal document authorising the action.

The lawyers insisted the former governor returned to Nigeria voluntarily and would comply with all lawful invitations from security agencies, while warning that legal action may be taken over the incident.