By Muhammad Mamman
The Department of State Services (DSS) has broken its silence over the recent seizure of the passport of Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El–Rufai.
In a statement released on Friday, the agency clarified that the action was part of a standard investigation procedure and not intended to intimidate the governor. According to the DSS, the passport was temporarily confiscated to facilitate ongoing inquiries into certain financial and administrative matters linked to the governor’s tenure.
“The seizure of Governor El–Rufai’s passport is procedural and aimed solely at ensuring cooperation with the ongoing investigation,” the statement said. “It is not punitive and will be returned once due processes are concluded.”
The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of public officials over alleged irregularities in governance and public fund management. DSS sources emphasised that the agency is committed to transparency and adherence to legal processes, reassuring the public that no one is above the law.
Governor El–Rufai, who had previously vowed full cooperation with security agencies, is yet to publicly comment on the passport seizure. Analysts say the incident underscores the growing assertiveness of Nigeria’s security agencies in enforcing accountability at the highest levels of government.
