DSS Seizes El-Rufai's Passport Amid Kidnapping Investigation

The Department of State Services (DSS) has revealed that it seized the passport of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to prevent him from fleeing the country amid an ongoing investigation. This investigation pertains to allegations involving his son in the disappearance of Abubakar Idris, known as Dadiyata, who went missing on August 1, 2019, after being abducted from his home in Kaduna.

Sources indicate that El-Rufai intended to escape to Egypt, potentially related to economic and financial crimes. The DSS's actions followed a dramatic incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport upon El-Rufai's return to Nigeria.

The investigation into Dadiyata’s case has reopened, with claims that El-Rufai, during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023, had knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Dadiyata's disappearance. The DSS is also looking into allegations that certain police officers made confessions regarding the case.

El-Rufai's son, Bashir, has been implicated in the controversy, with the DSS asserting that he posed a threat to the government.