The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken five security operatives into custody for allegedly aiding former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s return from Egypt on February 12.
The officers are accused of facilitating unauthorized access and obstructing security protocols during El-Rufai’s arrival at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
While authorities managed to seize his international passport, an initial attempt to arrest the former governor at the airport was unsuccessful.
El-Rufai’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed the incident, noting that El-Rufai declined to comply with security operatives’ demands without a formal invitation.
Three days later, El-Rufai honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and was subsequently detained, grilled for three days, and granted bail.
However, he was later arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Following a joint investigation by the DSS, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation, five officers were detained:
ASP Ayuba Yakubu – Police
Murtala Inuwa – DSS
ASI Najeeb Murtala – NIS
Musa Adamu – Aviation Security (AVSEC)
Salihu Victor – AVSEC
The DSS said the officers confessed to receiving bribes that allowed unauthorized entry into restricted areas and obstructed lawful security operations.
They have been handed over to the ICPC for prosecution.
Others whose involvement did not constitute criminal activity but who abused their positions will face administrative sanctions.
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