The immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, on Wednesday protested what he described as an attempted unlawful arrest and seizure of his international passport at an airport upon his return to Nigeria.
In a statement issued by his counsel, Akpan, the former governor accused authorities of violating his fundamental human rights, including his rights to personal liberty, fair hearing, dignity of the human person, freedom of movement, and ownership of property.
Akpan said that despite prior intelligence suggesting plans to arrest El-Rufai on arrival, the former governor went ahead with his return after medical treatment and rest abroad, publicly affirming his readiness to honour any legitimate invitation by law enforcement agencies.
He, however, alleged that the attempted arrest proceeded regardless.
“There exists no justifiable basis for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment.
“Despite prior intelligence of plans to effect this arrest, Malam El-Rufai proceeded with his return following medical treatment and rest abroad, publicly affirming his commitment to face any legitimate inquiry,” the statement read.
“This premeditated interception at the airport exemplifies lawlessness and an abuse of state power,” it added.
The counsel demanded the immediate return of El-Rufai’s passport, an end to what he termed unlawful efforts to detain the former governor, and a formal apology from the authorities involved.
Akpan maintained that his client had no intention of evading law enforcement, insisting that El-Rufai would honour all lawful summons without preconditions.
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The development comes amid recent claims by El-Rufai that he might be subjected to a politically motivated arrest upon his return to the country.
The former governor had earlier alleged that some of his associates were being detained following his public criticisms of the current administration, a situation he described as intimidation.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to officially respond to the allegations.
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