JUST IN: El-Rufai Reacts to ‘Unlawful Try’ to Arrest Him at Abuja Airport [FULL STATEMENT]

As counsel to Malam Nasir El-Rufai, we unequivocally condemn the tried unlawful arrest of our consumer by safety operatives this afternoon upon his arrival in Abuja through Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo. It is a flagrant violation of constitutional rights, govt overreach, and a deliberate disregard for the rule of legislation.

The invitation from the {Economic} and {Financial} Crimes Fee (EFCC) was delivered to Malam El-Rufai’s residence whereas he was already overseas, rendering it inherently illogical and impractical to demand instant attendance to reply purported allegations. Such an method defies motive, because it presumes instantaneous compliance from a person exterior the jurisdiction, with out regard for logistical realities or authorized equity.

In response, we formally communicated with the EFCC on his behalf since December 2025, assuring compliance upon his return. Yesterday, we explicitly notified them that he would voluntarily seem at their workplace by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, specifying the exact place and time for addressing the invitation. Resorting to arrest regardless of this clear dedication exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity.

Upon his arrival, safety operatives from the Division of State Companies moved to arrest Malam El-Rufai with out presenting any warrant or formal invitation. When he calmly demanded to see the a call for participation — a primary entitlement of any citizen dealing with state motion — none could possibly be produced.

No doc, no signed directive, no lawful course of. There was solely uncooked energy, unclothed by legislation. In the identical illegal method, operatives bodily snatched his worldwide passport. This act is nothing in need of stealing — the illegal taking of personal property by brokers of the state performing with out color of authority.

Unusual Nigerians current on the airport, incensed by this open show of oppression, surrounded the scene and insisted loudly that he may solely be arrested upon a respectable course of. Their voices, defiant and unbowed, had been a testomony to the citizenry’s unyielding dedication to the rule of legislation, at the same time as state brokers acted in flagrant disregard of it. That residents needed to remind safety operatives of the Structure is each shameful and instructive.

No authorities company possesses unfettered authority to detain residents with out due course of. All public establishments and officers are certain by the Structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which mandates adherence to authorized protocols.

This tried arrest immediately infringes upon key constitutional provisions guaranteeing elementary freedoms, together with:

Part 35 (Proper to Private Liberty): requires that any arrest be justified and carried out in accordance with lawful procedures, resembling affordable suspicion and immediate judicial oversight.

Part 36 (Proper to truthful listening to): safeguards in opposition to govt actions that prejudice judicial processes.

Part 34 (Proper to Dignity of Human Individual): Subsection (1)(a) protects residents from mistreatment throughout arrest that assaults private dignity.

Part 41 (Proper to Freedom of Motion): ensures entry with out arbitrary interception. The illegal seizure of his passport immediately restrains this proper.

Part 44 (Proper to Personal Property): This prohibits the snatching of his passport with out authorized authority.

There exists no justifiable foundation for this tried arrest or the accompanying mistreatment. Regardless of prior intelligence of plans to impact this arrest, Malam El-Rufai proceeded together with his return following medical therapy and relaxation overseas, publicly affirming his dedication to face any respectable inquiry.

This premeditated interception on the airport exemplifies lawlessness and an abuse of state energy.

We demand the instant and unconditional cessation of all illegal efforts to detain Malam El-Rufai, the instant return of his stolen passport, and a proper apology for this egregious infringement on his dignity and rights.

LET US MAKE IT PUBLICLY AND ABUNDANTLY CLEAR:

1. MALAM NASIR AHMAD EL RUFAI WILL NEVER TAKE THE COWARDLY ROUTE OF RUNNING AWAY FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT.

2. HE WILL HONOUR, WITHOUT PRECONDITIONS, ALL LEGITIMATE LAW ENFORCEMENT SUMMONS.

Authorized motion might be pursued in opposition to all individuals and companies answerable for this unconstitutional conduct to uphold accountability and deter future abuses. The judiciary stays the last word arbiter, and we will search redress by way of all out there authorized channels to guard the sanctity of the legislation.

The previous governor’s group demanded the instant return of his passport and a proper apology for the alleged infringement on his rights.