JUST IN: DSS Arrests Security Officials Linked to El-Rufai’s Return to Nigeria (Full List)

The Department of State Services (DSS) has detained several security personnel in connection with Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s return to Nigeria from Egypt on February 12.

Reports indicate that DSS agents attempted to arrest El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, but the operation failed. During the encounter, his international passport was seized, according to Muyiwa Adekeye, the former Kaduna State governor’s spokesman.

“El-Rufai declined to follow the agents without a formal invitation, but they took his passport from an aide,” Adekeye said on X.

Three days later, El-Rufai appeared before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and was detained for questioning. He was granted bail by EFCC, but was subsequently taken into ICPC custody.

The DSS alleges that El-Rufai bribed security officers to evade arrest upon his return. While not all officers directly collected bribes, some reportedly consented to the actions and will face sanctions.

Following a joint investigation by DSS, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation, five officers have been detained:

1. ASP Ayuba Yakubu – Police

2. Murtala Inuwa – DSS

3. ASI Najeeb Murtala – NIS

4. Musa Adamu – Aviation Security (AVSEC)

5. Salihu Victor – AVSEC

According to DSS, the detained officers admitted receiving bribes to allow unauthorized access to restricted areas and to obstruct lawful security operations. They have been handed over to ICPC for prosecution. Others implicated in procedural abuses without direct bribery will face administrative measures.

El-Rufai maintains his innocence and has described the events as part of a political witch-hunt.