Why I refused arrest by security forces at Abuja airport – El-Rufai narrates ordeal

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has revealed why he refused to accompany security operatives who allegedly attempted to arrest him at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Thursday, February 12, 2026, shortly after his return from Egypt.

In his first interview with the BBC since the incident, El-Rufai said the attempt to detain him violated his constitutional rights and was an effort to intimidate him politically.

He explained that the confrontation began when operatives requested that he follow them to their office. El-Rufai, however, asked for an official invitation, which the operatives could not present.

“As I was disembarking from the plane, a young man approached me with a small notebook, saying they were from the DSS and wanted to see me at their office. I asked to see the letter, saying it should be presented,” he said.

“When we stepped outside, their superiors also came and repeated the request. I told them to bring the letter. My house is near your office, so if this is DSS, I can go home; if you do not have the letter now, bring it to me, but you cannot stop me at the airport and demand that I follow you without it.”

El-Rufai described the move as a clear attempt to breach human rights and emphasized that fear did not influence his decision.

“I fear nothing but God. I have served this country for many years and faced challenges, and anyone who claims I misused funds or acquired property illegally should come forward and say so,” he stated.

The former governor added that over the past two and a half years, both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) have investigated his administration but found no wrongdoing.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to cooperate with the EFCC and stated that he would appear to answer questions on alleged corruption on Monday, February 16, at 10:00 a.m.

El-Rufai, who is a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is now a leading figure in the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), positioning himself to challenge President Bola Tinubu in next year’s general elections.

He further noted that while he has not yet been arrested, some of his aides have already been detained, and he anticipates that he could be the next target.

“Some four individuals who worked with us in Kaduna have already been arrested, so it is only a matter of time before they come for me,” El-Rufai said.