Adeyanju Dismisses El-Rufai’s Arrest Claim, Mere ‘Drama’, Says Adeyanju

Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju has dismissed claims by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that security operatives attempted to arrest him at the airport, describing the incident as unnecessary drama.

El-Rufai had alleged that operatives approached him upon his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and made moves to detain him without presenting a warrant or prior notice. According to his aides, his passport was temporarily seized during the encounter, raising concerns about due process and the legality of the action. Reacting to the development, Adeyanju insisted that there was no concrete plan to arrest the former governor. He argued that if security agencies truly intended to detain him, they would have done so outright rather than engaging in what he described as a “half-measure.” Nobody planned to arrest him. If there was an arrest order, it would have been executed immediately,” Adeyanju said, adding that the former governor was dramatizing the situation for public sympathy and political attention. The activist lawyer further maintained that security agencies have the authority to question or invite public officials when necessary, particularly in matters relating to investigations. He noted that being invited for questioning should not automatically be interpreted as persecution. Reports indicate that El-Rufai has been linked to an invitation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over issues related to his time in office. Sources close to the matter say the former governor has expressed willingness to honour any formal invitation extended to him by relevant authorities. The airport incident has since sparked debate across political and civil society circles, with supporters of El-Rufai alleging intimidation, while critics argue that public office holders must be accountable and subject to lawful scrutiny.