I’ll Never Run Away!’ – El-Rufai Fires Back After Arrest Attempt

According to Ireporter Online, the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has condemned an attempted arrest by security operatives at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, describing the action as illegal and unconstitutional.

El-Rufai, through his lawyer Ubong Esop Akpan, criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for issuing a letter of invitation while he was abroad. He also faulted operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) for attempting to detain him at the airport without presenting any warrant or formal summons.

The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory maintained that there was no legitimate basis for the arrest or the accompanying treatment he received. He affirmed his commitment to cooperating with law enforcement, stating that he would “never take the cowardly route of running away” from any legitimate inquiry.

In a detailed statement, El-Rufai’s legal team described the incident as a “flagrant violation of constitutional rights” and “executive overreach.” They noted that the EFCC invitation was delivered while he was outside the country, making immediate compliance impractical. They further highlighted that he had formally communicated his willingness to appear at the EFCC office upon his return, specifying February 16, 2026, as the scheduled date.

Upon his arrival, the DSS operatives reportedly attempted to arrest him without showing any legal documentation. His international passport was also seized unlawfully, which his legal team described as theft of private property by state agents. Witnesses at the airport reportedly intervened, insisting that any arrest must follow due process, underscoring the importance of adherence to constitutional protections.

El-Rufai’s statement emphasized that the attempted arrest violated several constitutional provisions, including the rights to personal liberty, fair hearing, dignity, freedom of movement, and property. His legal team demanded the immediate return of his passport, cessation of all unlawful actions against him, and a formal apology.

The former governor reiterated that he would comply with all legitimate law enforcement summons without preconditions and announced plans to pursue legal action against those responsible for the incident to uphold accountability and protect the rule of law.