Former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai faced an attempted arrest by security operatives at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on February 12, 2026, after arriving from Cairo, Egypt.

The incident, captured in a widely circulated video, has drawn widespread condemnation and intensified discussions about the rule of law in Nigeria.

According to El-Rufai's media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, security agents approached the former governor shortly after he disembarked. El-Rufai refused to follow them, insisting on a formal invitation or warrant.

Despite this, operatives reportedly seized his international passport from an aide, an action his legal team described as illegal and a flagrant violation of constitutional rights.

Reacting on his X handle, El-Rufai condemned the attempted arrest, stating: “Our country must outgrow executive overreach and deliberate disregard for the rule of law.”

His counsel, Ubong Esop Akpan, detailed that operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and reportedly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted detention without presenting any warrant.

Akpan described the seizure of the passport as “stealing” and a violation of property rights.

El-Rufai’s legal team highlighted that the EFCC had previously issued an invitation to him in December 2025 while he was abroad.

His office had formally communicated that he would comply, planning to appear at the EFCC on February 16, 2026. The attempted arrest at the airport, therefore, occurred despite his explicit commitment to cooperate.

Akpan outlined constitutional infringements, including violations of El-Rufai’s rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, property, and the dignity of the human person.

The counsel demanded the immediate return of the passport, cessation of unlawful detention attempts, and a formal apology, warning that legal action would be taken against those responsible.

The incident follows El-Rufai’s public claims of possible arrest amid allegations of political intimidation.

After leaving office in 2023, he became a vocal critic of the current administration following the Senate’s rejection of his ministerial nomination. He subsequently left the APC to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

El-Rufai is also reportedly under investigation by the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for corruption allegations, which he consistently denies, asserting political targeting.

As of now, no official statement has been released by security agencies or the EFCC regarding the attempted arrest.