Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has condemned what he described as an illegal attempt to detain him at Abuja Airport upon his return from Cairo, calling it a troubling example of executive overreach and disregard for the rule of law in Nigeria.
In a statement released by his lawyers and made available to ENigeria Newspaper, El-Rufai said the incident underscores the urgent need for the country to uphold legal norms and prevent abuses of power by government authorities.
“My lawyers have issued a statement that condemns the illegal attempt to arrest me today at the Abuja airport upon my arrival from Cairo,” he said. “Our country must outgrow executive overreach and deliberate disregard for the rule of law.”
“Nobody, listen nobody, not even the president will have to tell you I have to do anything. It is a free country. If you have a letter and you want to invite me then send a letter,” he added.
ENigeria Newspaper reports that the alleged arrest attempt comes amid increasing political tension surrounding El-Rufai, who has previously warned of potential legal actions targeting him.
El-Rufai refused to accompany security operatives, demanding a formal invitation, according to his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye.
“As he arrived, security agents approached him, but Malam El-Rufai declined to follow them without proper authorization. In the process, they seized his international passport from one of his aides,” Adekeye said.
El-Rufai’s statement reinforces his position as a vocal critic of perceived governmental overreach, and observers say it could heighten scrutiny of law enforcement practices at sensitive points like airports and borders, especially for high-profile political figures.
