El-Rufai Details DSS Airport Incident and Due Process Claims

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, recounted an incident at Abuja International Airport that nearly led to his arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS). Upon returning from Cairo, El-Rufai claimed that the DSS attempted to detain him without a warrant, despite prior communication with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He stated that he approached the DSS office and asserted that even the President could not issue orders without following due process. El-Rufai described how he was informed that an operation was underway to detain him, but he refused to accompany the officers without a formal letter.

He proceeded to immigration to have his passport stamped for exit. El-Rufai later alleged that his aides were assaulted, and their passports were seized, describing the incident as a spontaneous resistance by passengers.