•Former Kaduna Governor’s travel document confiscated upon return from Egypt
•Action linked to ongoing EFCC investigation into state finances
•Security sources clarify: “No arrest was made; measure is to ensure compliance with invitation
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday intercepted and seized the international passport of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. The incident occurred at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after the former governor touched down from a trip to Cairo, Egypt.
The seizure was reportedly executed following a formal request from a federal anti-graft agency—widely believed to be the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)—which is currently investigating various aspects of El-Rufai’s eight-year administration in Kaduna State.
Pre-Emptive Measure, Not an Arrest
A high-ranking DSS source, who spoke to *Arise News* on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the development, explaining that the action was a procedural move to prevent the former governor from leaving the country while active investigations are ongoing.
The source was quick to clarify that El-Rufai was not taken into custody. “The DSS is acting in collaboration with sister agencies. The seizure of the passport is a standard administrative procedure to ensure that he honors an outstanding invitation for questioning. There was no attempt to arrest or detain him at the airport; he was allowed to go to his residence after the document was secured,” the official stated.
Background of the Investigation
While the specific charges have not been made public, the move follows months of heightened scrutiny regarding the financial management of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.
OBSERVERS TIMES last year reported the Kaduna State House of Assembly established an ad-hoc committee to probe the El-Rufai administration. The committee’s report, which was submitted in June, alleged that a staggering N423 billion was misappropriated or siphoned through various contracts and loans during his tenure. The assembly subsequently recommended that the former governor and several of his key commissioners be investigated by anti-corruption agencies.
A Pattern of Legal Friction
El-Rufai, who has remained largely out of the public eye since leaving office, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He has previously described the allegations as “politically motivated” and filed a fundamental rights suit against the Kaduna State House of Assembly, challenging the legality of their probe.
However, the seizure of his passport marks a significant escalation in the federal government’s approach to the case. By restricting his international travel, the authorities appear to be narrowing the net around the former governor as the EFCC prepares for a formal interrogation.
As of the time of this report, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s media team has not released an official statement regarding the airport encounter. Legal experts suggest that the former governor may approach the courts in the coming days to challenge the seizure of his travel documents, citing a breach of his right to freedom of movement.
The EFCC has also remained tight-lipped, neither confirming nor denying if a formal warrant for the seizure was issued to the DSS. Nevertheless, the development has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, signaling that the “no-sacred-cow” policy of the current administration regarding financial accountability may be gaining momentum.
