by George Ozalla
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has resisted an attempt by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after he arrived in Nigeria aboard an EgyptAir flight from Cairo.
Security sources and aides close to the former governor said EFCC officials approached El-Rufai immediately after he disembarked and sought to detain him in connection with an ongoing investigation linked to his tenure as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
However, El-Rufai reportedly declined to comply with the operatives, insisting that he would not submit to arrest without being presented with a valid warrant or formal written invitation. The situation briefly created tension at the arrival area, drawing attention from airport officials, security personnel, and passengers.
Sources familiar with the encounter said the former governor questioned the legal basis of the attempted arrest and demanded adherence to due process, maintaining that he was prepared to cooperate with any lawful investigation but would not accept what he viewed as arbitrary detention.
His legal representatives later confirmed that the EFCC operatives did not present an arrest warrant at the time of the encounter, describing the move as procedurally defective and inconsistent with established legal standards. The lawyers maintained that El-Rufai had not evaded authorities and remained willing to respond to any formal summons issued through proper channels.
The EFCC is believed to be investigating allegations arising from financial transactions and administrative decisions taken during El-Rufai’s administration in Kaduna State, following recommendations from state authorities and anti-corruption oversight processes.
Following the airport confrontation, El-Rufai was not taken into custody and was allowed to leave the airport premises. It was not immediately clear whether the commission would issue a formal invitation or pursue further legal action in relation to the investigation.
