Security operatives on Thursday reportedly attempted to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after his arrival from abroad.
According to aides and eyewitnesses, operatives approached El-Rufai at the airport, but the situation did not result in his detention. Sources close to the former governor said he refused to accompany the operatives without a formal invitation or legal notice.
El-Rufai later confirmed that he told the security personnel to write to him officially if they required his presence, insisting that due process be followed. The encounter ended peacefully, and he was allowed to leave the airport.
As of the time of filing this report, no security agency has issued an official statement explaining the purpose of the approach or whether any formal invitation would follow.
The incident has drawn public attention given El-Rufai’s political profile and recent tensions surrounding investigations involving some of his former aides. El-Rufai has previously stated that he would honour any lawful summons but would resist actions he considers procedurally improper.