DSS Arrests Police, Immigration Officials Over El-Rufai’s Return To Nigeria
The Department of State Services (DSS) has detained five security operatives over their role in the return of former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, from Egypt on February 12.
The operatives reportedly attempted to arrest El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, but failed. His international passport was eventually seized.
Former governor’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, had earlier confirmed the seizure, saying, “Security agents today attempted to arrest Malam Nasir@elrufai 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.”
El-Rufai later honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) three days after his return and was detained.
He was grilled for three days, granted bail, but was subsequently arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The DSS, which filed criminal charges against El-Rufai but could not arraign him on February 25, 2026, due to his ICPC custody, alleged that he bribed security officers to evade arrest.
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The agency clarified that while not all arrested officers collected bribes, they consented to the act and will face sanctions.
The five detained officers are:
1. Ayuba Yakubu (ASP) – Police
2. Murtala Inuwa – DSS
3. Najeeb Murtala (ASI) – NIS
4. Musa Adamu – Aviation Security (AVSEC)
5. Salihu Victor – AVSEC
“They have all confessed to receiving bribes to facilitate unauthorized entry into restricted areas and obstruct lawful security operations,” the DSS said.
The officers have been handed over to ICPC for prosecution. Others from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), whose involvement did not involve bribery but abuse of authority, will face administrative action.
El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing, accusing the government of a witch-hunt.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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