El-Rufai Accuses Ribadu Of Orchestrating Attempted Arrest
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Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was behind an attempt to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
El-Rufai made the claim on Thursday night while addressing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who paid him a solidarity visit at his residence following the incident.
According to El-Rufai, operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission worked in collaboration with the Department of State Services to confront him at the airport shortly after his return from Cairo, Egypt.
He stated that the action was not initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, as widely speculated.
He further claimed that the anti-graft agency had never previously invited him for questioning and alleged that its leadership was acting on directives from the National Security Adviser.
Responding to the development, Atiku expressed concern over the incident and emphasised the importance of political cohesion ahead of the 2027 general election. He stressed the need for opposition forces to unite in order to present a credible alternative to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Atiku warned against what he described as attempts to undermine pluralism in Nigeria’s democratic system, urging political actors to safeguard the rule of law and democratic institutions.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the offices of the National Security Adviser or the ICPC regarding the allegations.
