DSS Arrests Five Security Officers Connected to El-Rufai's Controversial Return from Egypt
The Department of State Services (DSS) has made significant arrests in connection with the controversial return of former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai from Egypt. According to official reports, five security officers have been detained for their alleged involvement in facilitating El-Rufai's arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on February 12.
Failed Arrest Attempt and Passport Seizure
Sources indicate that DSS operatives attempted to arrest El-Rufai upon his arrival from Cairo, but the operation was unsuccessful. However, during the confrontation, security agents managed to seize the former governor's international passport from one of his aides. El-Rufai's spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed these events through a social media post on Tuesday, March 3, stating that El-Rufai refused to accompany the agents without a formal invitation.
Subsequent Detention and Multiple Agency Involvement
Three days after the airport incident, El-Rufai honored an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and has remained in custody since that time. After three days of questioning by the EFCC, he was granted bail but was immediately taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The DSS has filed criminal charges against El-Rufai but was unable to arraign him on February 25 due to his detention by the ICPC.
Bribery Allegations and Joint Investigation
The DSS has alleged that El-Rufai bribed officials to evade arrest upon his return from Egypt. A comprehensive joint investigation involving the DSS, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Ministry of Aviation led to the identification and detention of five officers. The arrested individuals include Police ASP Ayuba Yakubu, DSS officer Murtala Inuwa, Immigration ASI Najeeb Murtala, and Aviation Security officers Musa Adamu and Salihu Victor.
Confessions and Unauthorized Activities
According to DSS statements, all five detained officers have confessed to receiving bribes to facilitate unauthorized entry into restricted airport areas and to obstruct lawful security operations. The agency clarified that while not all officers involved accepted bribes, those who allowed the unauthorized activities without taking money will still face administrative sanctions for misconduct.
Prosecution and Administrative Actions
The five officers who confessed to accepting bribes have been handed over to the ICPC for prosecution. Meanwhile, other immigration and customs officials who misused their positions without accepting bribes will face administrative disciplinary measures. This case highlights ongoing concerns about security protocol breaches and corruption within Nigeria's security and immigration systems.
