DSS clarifies passport seizure, El-Rufai’s counsel condemns alleged arrest attempt
The Department of State Services (DSS) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the reported seizure of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai’s passport at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, amid claims of a potential arrest.
The incident, first reported by El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, suggested that security operatives attempted to arrest the former governor upon his arrival from Cairo, Egypt, and had allegedly confiscated his passport.
Adekeye posted on his verified X handle:“Security agents today attempted to arrest Malam Nasir El-Rufai as he arrived on a flight from Cairo. Malam El-Rufai declined to follow them without a formal invitation.”
A DSS source dismissed these claims as false and misleading, explaining that operatives only seized the passport in response to a request from an anti-graft agency to ensure El-Rufai would honor their invitation.
The agency urged the public to rely on verified information regarding its operations.
El-Rufai, who recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), suggested that political pressure and intimidation are being used against opposition figures.
Speaking to BBC Hausa, he said several of his associates had been detained, implying he could be a target next.
He further alleged that some politicians were being pressured to remain in or defect to the APC.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai’s legal team, led by Ubong Esop Akpan of the Chambers of Ubong Akpan, condemned what they described as an “unlawful attempted arrest” at the airport.
The statement alleged that DSS operatives attempted to detain El-Rufai upon arrival from Cairo on Egypt Air flight MS 877 without presenting a warrant or formal invitation, describing the action as a violation of constitutional rights and a disregard for the rule of law.
The lawyer noted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had earlier delivered an invitation to El-Rufai’s residence while he was abroad, and the legal team had confirmed that he would voluntarily appear at their office on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Despite this, the DSS allegedly attempted to arrest him at the airport and seized his passport.
Akpan cited several constitutional breaches, including:
Section 35 – Personal liberty
Section 36 – Right to fair hearing
Section 34 – Dignity of the human person
Section 41 – Freedom of movement
Section 44 – Right to own property.
The legal team demanded the immediate return of El-Rufai’s passport, cessation of all unlawful detention efforts, and a formal apology.
The statement emphasised that El-Rufai “will never take the cowardly route of running away from law enforcement” and that he would comply with all legitimate summons.
Akpan also announced plans to pursue legal action against those responsible, reaffirming that the judiciary remains “the ultimate arbiter” in the matter.
