The immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, yesterday accused the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, of ordering his arrest.
The allegation followed a confrontation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, when security operatives reportedly attempted to arrest the former governor. The development sparked tension at the airport, as individuals believed to be El-Rufai’s supporters surrounded him in an apparent bid to prevent his arrest.
Speaking on Arise Television yesterday, El-Rufai claimed he became aware of the alleged directive through an intercepted telephone conversation.
“The NSA’s call was tapped. They do that to our calls too, and we heard him saying they should arrest me,” El-Rufai said.
He further alleged that his successor, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) were part of a plot against him.
“Let me tell you, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani, the NSA and the ICPC chairman have arranged that I get abducted unfailingly today,” he said.
El-Rufai disclosed separately on his X handle that the ICPC had formally invited him for questioning.
“Yesterday (Thursday), after the futile attempt to abduct me, the ICPC delivered a letter to invite me to their office,” he wrote.
He added: “My lawyer has written to confirm that I will be attending the ICPC office on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.”
During the television interview, the former governor also confirmed that he would honour an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday. He maintained that he has “nothing to hide,” regarding his eight-year tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
On another issue, El-Rufai described moves by some United States lawmakers to seek sanctions against former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over alleged links to terrorism in Nigeria as politically motivated.
According to him, Kwankwaso has no connection with terrorism.
