Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, will appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, his lawyer has confirmed.
El-Rufai’s counsel, Ubong Esop Akpan, disclosed this while responding to an alleged attempt by security operatives to arrest the former governor at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday.
According to Akpan, El-Rufai was approached by security agents shortly after arriving in Abuja aboard Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo. He described the incident as a violation of El-Rufai’s constitutional rights and an abuse of due process.
Akpan said the EFCC invitation was delivered to El-Rufai’s residence while he was already outside the country, making any demand for immediate appearance impractical and unreasonable.
“The invitation from the EFCC was delivered while Malam El-Rufai was abroad, rendering it illogical to demand instant compliance,” he said.
He added that El-Rufai’s legal team had formally communicated with the EFCC since December 2025, assuring the commission that the former governor would honour the invitation upon his return to Nigeria.
“Yesterday, we clearly notified the EFCC that he would voluntarily appear at their office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026,” Akpan said. “Attempting to arrest him despite this assurance reflects arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity.”
The lawyer further stated that there was no legal basis for the attempted arrest, describing it as an infringement on constitutionally guaranteed rights.
He noted that El-Rufai returned to Nigeria after medical treatment and rest abroad, despite being aware of alleged plans to arrest him, and had publicly expressed his willingness to cooperate with any lawful investigation.
Akpan described the airport incident as a premeditated action and an abuse of state power, demanding an end to what he called unlawful attempts to detain his client.
The legal team also called for the immediate return of El-Rufai’s passport and a formal apology over what they described as a violation of his dignity and fundamental rights.
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