EL-RUFAI ALLEGES AIRPORT HARASSMENT AS AIDES CLAIM SECURITY AGENTS SEIZED PASSPORT
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai was at the centre of fresh controversy on Thursday after his media aide alleged that security operatives attempted to arrest him at an airport shortly after he arrived in Nigeria from Cairo.
According to Muyiwa Adekeye, the incident occurred moments after El-Rufai disembarked from his flight. He said the former governor was approached by security agents who asked him to accompany them, but El-Rufai reportedly refused, insisting that any invitation must follow due process and be formally communicated.
Adekeye claimed that when El-Rufai declined to leave with the agents without a written invitation, the situation escalated. He alleged that the operatives then seized El-Rufai’s international passport from one of his aides, an action that immediately raised concerns among his supporters and observers.
Quoting the former governor, Adekeye said El-Rufai maintained a calm but firm stance, telling the agents that if they wished to invite him, they should do so officially and in writing. The aide described the encounter as unnecessary and provocative, noting that El-Rufai has consistently made himself available to lawful engagements with authorities.
The alleged incident has since sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the implications for civil liberties and the treatment of political figures, especially former public office holders. As of the time of this report, no official statement has been issued by security agencies to confirm or deny the claims.