The Digest:
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai has alleged that approximately 50 Department of State Services (DSS) operatives were deployed to arrest him at Abuja Airport on Thursday, acting on behalf of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). Speaking on Arise News, el-Rufai clarified that earlier reports linking the EFCC to the incident were incorrect. He claimed operatives attempted to detain him without a formal invitation letter, and one aide was assaulted when his passport was seized. A growing crowd of supporters prevented the detention, he said. El-Rufai confirmed he has received an EFCC invitation and will appear on February 16. He warned that such actions undermine confidence in security institutions, pushing the country "toward anarchy."
Key Points:
- The alleged massive deployment of DSS operatives raises serious concerns about security agency politicisation.
- It deepens public distrust in institutions meant to be neutral arbiters of law and order.
- El-Rufai gains public sympathy as a victim of overreach, while security agencies face credibility crisis.
- This signals potential escalation of state security apparatus against high-profile opposition figures.
- The timing, ahead of 2027 elections, amplifies fears of pre-election security agency weaponisation.
Sources: Leadership, Arise News, El-Rufai/Interview
