By Nworisa Michael
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested several security personnel allegedly linked to the airport incident involving former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following his return to Nigeria from Egypt on February 12.
Reports indicate that security operatives attempted to arrest El-Rufai upon arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport but were unsuccessful. His international passport was later seized during the encounter.
The former governor’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, had earlier stated that security agents tried to detain El-Rufai without presenting a formal invitation. According to him, El-Rufai declined to comply under those circumstances, after which his passport was taken by the operatives.
Three days later, El-Rufai honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was reportedly interrogated for three days and granted bail. However, he was subsequently taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In an update, the DSS which has filed criminal charges against the former governor alleged that he bribed certain officials to evade arrest upon his return. The agency disclosed that five officers from different security agencies were detained following a joint investigation involving the DSS, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
According to the statement, the detained officers allegedly received bribes to grant unauthorized access to restricted airport areas and obstruct lawful security operations. They have been handed over to the ICPC for prosecution.
The DSS also clarified that some other officials who did not receive bribes but facilitated unauthorized access would face administrative sanctions.
El-Rufai has denied the allegations, describing the actions against him as politically motivated.
