“He Is Our Leader, Nothing Will Happen”: Supporters Shield El-Rufai as EFCC Operatives Attempt Arrest at Abuja Airport

Supporters of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, on Thursday blocked an attempt by security operatives to detain him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Multiple reports indicate that officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) approached El-Rufai shortly after his arrival. The situation escalated when he resisted being taken into custody, drawing the attention of his supporters who quickly gathered around him.

Video clips circulating online show a group of supporters forming a protective ring around the former governor and escorting him out of the airport terminal while chanting in his support. In one of the videos, voices can be heard saying, “He is our leader, nothing will happen,” as they moved him away from the scene.

A second clip shows the crowd continuing to praise El-Rufai as they guided him toward an exit, preventing the operatives from carrying out the arrest.

The EFCC has not issued an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

The development comes days after El-Rufai publicly expressed concerns that he might be arrested. In a recent interview, he claimed that some of his former associates in Kaduna had already been detained by security agencies, leading him to believe he could be targeted next.