Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), acting on direct orders from National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, orchestrated an attempted arrest by Department of State Services (DSS) operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon his return from Cairo, Egypt. El-Rufai described the incident as "most unfortunate, totally unnecessary, and probably criminal," stating that he refused to comply without a formal letter of invitation, after which his international passport was allegedly seized from an aide.

El-Rufai confirmed receiving an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning, which he intends to honor on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 10 am. He clarified that the EFCC was not involved in the airport incident. He further accused security agencies of partisanship, claiming they have been reduced to instruments of political interests for a government he believes is unelectable. The former governor revealed that his associates became aware of the alleged plot through intercepted communications, which he acknowledged as "technically illegal." He asserted that the incident has strengthened his resolve ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ubong Akpan, counsel to El-Rufai, condemned the attempted arrest as "a flagrant violation of constitutional rights, executive overreach, and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law." Akpan stated that the EFCC invitation was delivered while El-Rufai was abroad, making immediate attendance impractical. He confirmed that his chambers had formally communicated with the EFCC since December 2025, assuring compliance upon El-Rufai's return, and explicitly notified them of his voluntary appearance on February 16, 2026. Akpan emphasized that no government agency possesses unfettered authority to detain citizens without due process and demanded the immediate cessation of unlawful efforts to detain El-Rufai, the return of his seized passport, and a formal apology for the infringement on his dignity and rights. He affirmed that El-Rufai will honor all legitimate law enforcement summons and will not evade justice, while also stating that legal action would be pursued against those responsible for the unconstitutional conduct.

The attempted arrest drew widespread condemnation from political figures and parties. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar paid a solidarity visit to El-Rufai, denouncing the incident as an "embarrassment" not only to El-Rufai, who has held high positions in government, but to all Nigerians. Atiku criticized the actions as unnecessary and an affront to a democratic society based on the rule of law. He warned against attempts to undermine opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) through judicial processes, urging vigilance against "anti-democratic forces."

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also condemned the incident as a "dangerous signal" regarding due process and democratic norms in Nigeria. In a statement, the party stressed that while no individual is above the law, the law must never be weaponized against political opponents. The ADC expressed concern over what it described as a troubling pattern of pressure and selective enforcement directed at opposition voices under the current administration. The party highlighted the perception among Nigerians that past corruption allegations are often overlooked for individuals who join the ruling party, eroding faith in the rule of law. The ADC called for accountability to be even-handed, due process visible, and justice free from partisan colors, urging the government to resist the "normalisation of political intimidation."