Security Agents Seize Nasir El-Rufai’s Passport at Abuja Airport.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline
February 14, 2026.
Tension unfolded on Friday at the arrival wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport when security agents seized the passport of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, shortly after he landed from Cairo, Egypt.
Eyewitnesses said operatives approached the former governor discreetly but firmly as he made his way through immigration control. Though there was no public commotion, the atmosphere reportedly grew tense when officers informed him that his international passport would be withheld pending further directives.
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El-Rufai’s Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, later alleged that security operatives attempted to arrest the former governor.
However, El-Rufai reportedly refused to accompany them, insisting on a formal written invitation in line with due process. According to his camp, the former governor had earlier raised concerns about a possible arrest, citing what he described as increasing political pressure and the detention of some of his associates.
In a strongly worded reaction, El-Rufai accused the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, of orchestrating what he termed a political witch-hunt, alleging it had the tacit backing of President Bola Tinubu. Neither the Presidency nor the Office of the National Security Adviser has confirmed any directive ordering his arrest.
The airport incident comes amid escalating controversy between El-Rufai and the Kaduna State Government led by Governor Uba Sani.
The former governor recently alleged that the current administration paid ₦1 billion to bandits as part of security negotiations — a claim that has triggered political shockwaves across the state.
The Kaduna State Government has categorically denied the allegation. Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu, described the accusation as “baseless, mischievous, and politically motivated.” He issued a one-week ultimatum demanding that El-Rufai provide credible evidence or retract his statement and tender a public apology.
“Not one naira. Not one kobo,” Shu’aibu emphasized, insisting that Governor Sani has never authorized, negotiated, or paid ransom to criminal elements. The state government maintains that its improved security record stems from a community-based engagement strategy focused on local partnerships rather than negotiations with armed groups.
Similarly, the Office of the National Security Adviser dismissed claims that either the Federal Government or state governments pay ransom to bandits, reiterating its official stance against financing criminal activity.
El-Rufai, however, remains defiant. He has publicly challenged the Kaduna State Government to deny his allegations openly, insisting he possesses evidence to substantiate his claims.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, proved unsuccessful, as calls to his office reportedly went unanswered.
As political tensions deepen, observers say the passport seizure at Abuja airport may signal a widening rift within Nigeria’s political landscape — one that could have significant implications in the months ahead.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 14TH 2026)
