Counsel to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Ubong Esop Akpan, on Thursday, condemned the failed plot to purportedly arrest the former governor at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by the Department of Security Service, DSS.

He assured that El-Rufai will honour all lawful security invitations. He declared that "Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai will never take the cowardly route of running away from law enforcement."

Esop Akpan, in statement on Thursday in Abuja "on the unlawful attempted arrest of Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai", unequivocally, condemned the attempted illegal arrest of his client by security operatives upon his arrival in Abuja via Egypt Air flight MS 877 from Cairo.

Akpan argued that "this is a flagrant violation of constitutional rights, executive overreach, and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law."

The Counsel noted that the invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was delivered to Malam El-Rufai's residence while he was already abroad, rendering it inherently illogical and impractical to demand immediate attendance to answer purported allegations.

Akpan argued that "such an approach defies reason, as it presumes instantaneous compliance from an individual outside the jurisdiction, without regard for logistical realities or legal fairness."

He stated that in response, they formally communicated with the EFCC on his behalf since December 2025, assuring compliance upon his return.

He added that on Wednesday, they explicitly notified the Commission that El-rufai would voluntarily appear at their office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, specifying the precise place and time for addressing the invitation.

Akpan, therefore, protested that "resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity."

The legal practitioner narrated that upon arrival, security operatives from the Department of State Services moved to arrest Malam El-Rufai without presenting any warrant or formal invitation.

According to Akpan, "when he calmly demanded to see the letter of invitation, none could be produced. No document, no signed directive, no lawful process.
"There was only raw power, unclothed by law.

"In the same unlawful manner, operatives physically snatched his international passport. This act is nothing short of stealing — the unlawful taking of private property by agents of the state acting without colour of authority."