Passport seized as El-Rufai resists arrest at Abuja airport
A former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, on Thursday resisted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja minutes after he arrived from Cairo, Egypt.
Short video clips trending on social media show Mr El-Rufai telling the plain-clothed security agents that he would not follow them even on the order of the President.
“Listen, nobody, not even the President would tell me what to do. If you want to invite me; send a letter,” Mr El-Rufai said during the airport face-off.
As of press time, it was unclear which particular security agency attempted to nab the former governor.
Peoples Gazette reached out to the State Security Service headquarters, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission headquarters, the Nigeria Police Force headquarters, and the Federal Capital Territory Police Command headquarters on Wednesday, but none of them responded to inquiries.
Meanwhile, Mr El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said the plain-clothed security agents seized his principal’s passport from an aide at the airport.
“Security agents today attempted to arrest Malam Nasir El-Rufai as he arrived on a flight from Cairo. Malam El-Rufai declined to follow them without a formal Invitation. They however snatched his passport from an aide,” Mr Adekeye said.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Education
Non-academic unions begin indefinite strike in Ondo state-owned universities
Affected institutions include Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), and the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED).
States
NDC governorship candidate Gwarzo condemns bandit attacks on four Kano villages
Mr Gwarzo called on security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance and targeted operations in vulnerable communities.
Politics
Tinubu deserves second term to consolidate policy gains: Omokri
Mr Omokri said his support for Mr Tinubu was based on facts and policy outcomes, not political considerations.
Health
Lassa fever cases rise to 1,035, deaths hit 252
The NCDC said the case fatality rate rose to 24.4 per cent, up from 18.6 per cent in 2025.
Politics
2027: Turaki-led PDP backs G-100 opposition coalition
The party said the move aligned with its earlier stated disposition to work with like-minded political parties and organisations desirous of ‘rescuing’ Nigeria.
Hot news Home top
NAPTIP rescues 3,000 victims, says human trafficking migrating to digital space
Mr Adekoye said the agency also secured more than 20 convictions in 2026 as it intensified operations against human trafficking and exploitation.
