Security Agents Attempt to Arrest Former Governor El-Rufai at Abuja Airport, Aide Alleges
A tense incident unfolded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday, February 12, as security agents reportedly attempted to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, upon his arrival from Cairo, Egypt. According to his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, the situation escalated when El-Rufai refused to accompany the operatives without a formal invitation, leading to allegations of his international passport being seized from an aide.
Details of the Airport Confrontation
In a post shared on his X handle, Adekeye detailed the events, stating that security agents approached El-Rufai as he disembarked from his flight. The former governor insisted on receiving a formal invitation before complying with any arrest attempts, a demand that was reportedly ignored. Adekeye alleged that the agents then forcibly took El-Rufai's international passport from one of his aides, heightening the drama at the airport.
As of Thursday evening, there has been no official confirmation or statement from security authorities regarding the incident, leaving the allegations unverified by independent sources. This lack of response has fueled speculation and concern among political observers and the public.
Background and Political Context
The airport incident comes just one day after El-Rufai granted an interview to BBC Hausa, where he expressed fears of potential arrest in Nigeria at any time. During the interview, he accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of exerting pressure on politicians to align with the party or face political repercussions. This context adds a layer of political tension to the reported events at the airport, suggesting possible motivations behind the security agents' actions.
El-Rufai, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, has been vocal about his criticisms of the current administration, making this incident particularly noteworthy. The timing of the alleged arrest attempt, following his public statements, raises questions about freedom of expression and political targeting in the country.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The story has gained traction on social media and news platforms, with videos and posts circulating that show El-Rufai interacting with the security agents at the airport. For instance, a video shared by Linda Ikeji on Instagram captured moments of the encounter, though official verification of these visuals remains pending. Public reaction has been mixed, with some expressing support for El-Rufai's stance on formal procedures, while others call for transparency from security agencies.
This incident highlights ongoing issues related to security operations and political dynamics in Nigeria, underscoring the need for clarity and adherence to legal protocols in such situations. As developments unfold, further updates are awaited from both El-Rufai's camp and the relevant authorities.
