BREAKING: DSS detain five Police, Immigration officers over alleged bribery linked to El-Rufai airport saga

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested five security operatives over their alleged roles in the controversy surrounding the February 12 return of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from Egypt.

El-Rufai had arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, when security agents reportedly attempted to arrest him. The operation did not succeed, but his international passport was seized during the encounter.

Muyiwa Adekeye, the former governor’s spokesman, later disclosed that security personnel attempted to arrest his principal without a formal invitation, alleging that the passport was taken from an aide after El-Rufai declined to comply.

Allegations of Bribery

In an update on the matter, the DSS said a joint investigation involving the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Ministry of Aviation uncovered misconduct by certain officers.

According to the DSS, five officers have been detained:

Ayuba Yakubu (ASP) – Police

Murtala Inuwa – DSS

Najeeb Murtala (ASI) – NIS

Musa Adamu – Aviation Security (AVSEC)

Salihu Victor – AVSEC

The agency alleged that the officers received bribes to facilitate unauthorized entry into restricted areas and obstruct lawful security operations. It added that while not all those arrested collected bribes, some allegedly consented to the act and would face sanctions.

The detained officers have been handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for prosecution. Others whose actions were deemed administrative infractions rather than criminal are expected to face disciplinary measures.

EFCC Invitation, Fresh Detention

Three days after his arrival, El-Rufai honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which reportedly questioned him for three days before granting bail. However, he was subsequently arrested by the ICPC.

The DSS, which filed criminal charges against the former governor, could not arraign him on February 25, 2026, as he was in ICPC custody at the time.

El-Rufai has consistently denied wrongdoing, describing the actions against him as politically motivated and accusing the government of engaging in a witch-hunt.

The unfolding developments have intensified political debate, raising questions about inter-agency coordination, due process, and the broader implications of the case.

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