Tension reportedly erupted at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday following claims that security agents attempted to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, upon his arrival from Cairo, Egypt.
According to El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, the former governor refused to accompany the operatives without a formal invitation. Adekeye alleged on social media that the agents seized El-Rufai’s international passport from one of his aides during the confrontation.
“As he arrived, security agents approached him, but Malam El-Rufai declined to follow them without a formal invitation. They, however, snatched his international passport from an aide,” Adekeye stated.
No official confirmation has been provided by security authorities regarding the incident.
The reported event comes a day after El-Rufai, in an interview with BBC Hausa, stated that he could be arrested in Nigeria at any time. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of pressuring politicians to either align with the party or face political consequences.
El-Rufai also claimed that some of his associates had already been detained, saying:
“Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too.”
Political analysts have warned that if confirmed, the airport incident could heighten concerns about Nigeria’s political climate, particularly amid ongoing party realignments ahead of upcoming elections.
The situation remains fluid, and authorities are yet to release a statement on the alleged confrontation.
Elijah Adeyemi
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