Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State, has raised the alarm to possible politically-motivated arrest and detention upon his return to Nigeria from his trip abroad.
The allegation was contained in a letter dated February 10, 2026 under “Confidential Briefing Memo” with the subject. ‘Concerns Regarding Anticipated Politically Motivated Detention on Return to Nigeria.’
El-Rufai, whom BusinessDay gathered was currently outside the country, alleged that plans had been concluded to arrest and detain him on trump-up allegations.
Read also: I was never Tinubu’s friend, governors’ defections won’t save him in 2027 – El-Rufai
The former governor stated that “Since formally withdrawing my earlier acceptance to serve in the Tinubu administration in August 2023 and subsequently resigning from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), my close allies and I have been subjected to repeated investigations by security and anti-corruption agencies.
“Officials who served in my administration and business persons alleged to be associated with me have been unlawfully detained without charge for extended periods, including my Chief of Staff (50 days), a Senior Adviser (28 days), a commissioner (24 days), and a CEO (over 70 days and still detained). They are then arraigned on phantom charges, with judges influenced to deny bail or impose stringent conditions.”
In a 2-page memo, sighted by BusinessDay, the former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, reiterated that he had never been involved in any unlawful activity or corruption during his public service, which he said was a “challenge I have publicly stated.”
According to him, “A similar attempt at persecution by the Yar’Adua/Jonathan administration via the EFCC (2010-2013) failed. I was discharged and acquitted of a spurious charge of ‘abuse of office’ related to my approval of a single plot of land for a family member among 27,000 applications I approved as FCT Minister—a power the court affirmed.
“Despite years of intense, multi-agency investigation, no credible evidence has been presented against me, and no charges have been filed.”
On the alleged new plot to arrest him, he said: “Credible information now establishes the certainty of arrest and detention without basis upon my imminent return to Nigeria, inconsistent with constitutional safeguards and international obligations.”
Stating some facts, El-Rufai said, “Multiple investigations have yielded no credible formal accusation.
“Sponsored media publications deploy innuendo and falsehood to tarnish my reputation.
“No formal queries or invitations were issued prior to my departure for vacation in November 2025.
“There is a history of selective prosecution of opposition figures.
“Judicial rulings granting relief in similar cases are routinely ignored by the ruling party and its officials.”
Read also: APC members shielded from corruption – El-Rufai
He also alleged that the “National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, is actively pressing agencies to detain me without any case of wrongdoing. These actions appear driven by personal envy, political spite, and a desire to eliminate a future potential competitor, rather than national security or anti-corruption. It is noteworthy that these actions have the tacit approval of President Bola Tinubu.”
Stating his position, El-Rufai, who is currently a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said: “I do not seek immunity from lawful investigation or prosecution. I seek only: compliance with constitutional due process.
That any arrest be based on a disclosed offence and effected pursuant to a w a r r a n t; prompt publication of any charge and immediate arraignment; unhindered access to counsel and transparent court proceedings.”
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
