El-Rufai to honour EFCC invitation after Airport drama

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, will report at the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, his lawyer has confirmed.

Ubong Esop Akpan, counsel to the former governor, disclosed this while reacting to what he described as an attempted arrest of his client at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after his arrival from Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday.

According to the statement, El-Rufai, who arrived aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877, was approached by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in what the lawyer termed an “unlawful attempted arrest.”

The counsel described the action as a “flagrant violation of constitutional rights, executive overreach, and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law.”

Invitation and Compliance

Akpan stated that the EFCC had earlier issued an invitation to El-Rufai while he was outside the country. He argued that immediate compliance was impractical due to his client’s absence and noted that the anti-graft agency had been formally informed in December 2025 that the former governor would honour the invitation upon his return.

He added that the EFCC was subsequently notified that El-Rufai would voluntarily appear at its office by 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.

Allegations of Rights Violation

The lawyer further alleged that security operatives attempted to effect the arrest without presenting a warrant or a formal letter of invitation. He claimed that upon request, no authorising documents were produced.

Akpan also alleged that El-Rufai’s international passport was seized during the encounter, describing the action as unlawful and a violation of property rights.

Citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the counsel argued that the attempted arrest infringed on several fundamental rights, including the right to personal liberty (Section 35), fair hearing (Section 36), dignity of the human person (Section 34), freedom of movement (Section 41), and the right to own property (Section 44).

Demands and Legal Threat

The lawyer demanded the immediate return of El-Rufai’s passport, cessation of any further attempts to detain him without due process, and a formal apology from the authorities.

He maintained that the former governor has no intention of evading law enforcement and remains willing to honour all legitimate summons.

“Legal action will be pursued against all persons and agencies responsible for this unconstitutional conduct,” the statement added.

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