Breaking: After Airport Standoff, El-Rufai Finally Turns Himself Over to EFCC for Tenure Probe

Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), honored an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, February 16.

El-Rufai, who is being questioned over alleged financial impropriety during his tenure, arrived at the commission’s Abuja headquarters accompanied by a large crowd of supporters.

This appearance follows a highly publicized standoff at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport last week, where the former governor reportedly resisted an attempted arrest.

Persecondnews had reported that in subsequent media interviews, El-Rufai claimed that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu was the architect of that incident.

His lead counsel, Ubong Esop Akpan, clarified that the EFCC’s invitation arrived while El-Rufai was abroad, arguing that the demand for immediate attendance was “logistically impossible” and a violation of procedural fairness.

“The invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was delivered to Malam El-Rufai’s residence while he was already abroad, rendering it inherently illogical and impractical to demand immediate attendance to answer purported allegations.

“Such an approach defies reason, as it presumes instantaneous compliance from an individual outside the jurisdiction, without regard for logistical realities or legal fairness,” Akpan said.

He said the former governor had formally communicated with the EFCC since December 2025, assuring compliance upon his return.

“Yesterday, we explicitly notified them that he would voluntarily appear at their office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, specifying the precise place and time for addressing the invitation. Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” he added.

Akpan maintained that the attempted arrest lacked any legal foundation, describing it as a direct violation of “constitutional provisions guaranteeing fundamental freedoms.”

On behalf of his client, the counsel demanded an immediate end to all detention efforts, the return of El-Rufai’s passport, and a formal apology for the alleged infringement of his rights.