'Nothing Will Happen' - Drama at Airport as El-Rufai’s Supporters Foil Arrest
Last update: February 12, 2026
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El-Rufai supporters stop security agents from arresting former Kaduna governor...
Supporters of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Thursday reportedly thwarted an attempt by security operatives to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
CBI News reports that the dramatic development occurred shortly after the former governor arrived in the Federal Capital Territory, with operatives said to have moved in to apprehend him.
Operatives were met with stiff resistance from a crowd of loyalists who had gathered at the airport ahead of his arrival.
The supporters reportedly formed a protective ring around El-Rufai and escorted him out of the terminal amid chants of solidarity.
“He is our leader, nothing will happen!” some of the supporters were heard shouting in video clips of the incident circulating widely on social media.
Footage showed the former governor walking calmly through the terminal, flanked by what appeared to be political associates, aides and loyal backers.
As of press time, it remained unclear which security agency was responsible for the alleged arrest attempt.
However, the incident has fuelled fresh speculation about mounting tensions between El-Rufai and the federal government of Nigeria.
The former governor had recently hinted that there were plans to arrest him upon his return to the country.
The alleged attempt may not be unconnected to ongoing investigations into financial transactions during his tenure as Kaduna State governor.
El-Rufai, who left office in 2023, has been under scrutiny following a probe reportedly initiated by his successor, Governor Uba Sani, into alleged irregularities in the management of state funds.
Both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are said to be investigating allegations against him and some of his former aides.
The former governor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
He has also maintained that the investigations are politically motivated, linking them to his vocal criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and his recent defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
