DSS Arrests Officials for Bribery Linked to El-Rufai

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested several officials from the police and immigration services for allegedly accepting bribes to facilitate unauthorized access to restricted areas. This incident is linked to a failed attempt to arrest former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on February 12, 2026.

During this botched operation, El-Rufai's passport was seized, but he declined to follow the agents without a formal invitation. Muyiwa Adekey, El-Rufai's spokesman, announced the passport seizure.

Following this, the DSS clarified that they did not arrest El-Rufai for collecting bribes but were conducting a joint investigation with the Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Customs Service. Five officials, including Ayuba Yakubu and Murtala Inuwa, have been detained.

The ICPC is also involved, and those found guilty of misconduct will face administrative actions. El-Rufai maintains his innocence, alleging that the government is conducting a witch hunt against him.