Nigeria — The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has issued a stern warning to Nigeria’s security agencies, especially the Department of State Services (DSS) and other enforcement bodies, to refrain from abuses of citizens’ rights in the wake of a dramatic incident involving former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The caution came in a statement released on Friday, 13 February 2026 by the faith-based human rights organisation and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
The incident, which unfolded on Thursday as El-Rufai arrived from Cairo, saw operatives of the DSS allegedly attempt to detain the former governor on arrival. Supporters who had gathered at the airport to welcome him are reported to have disrupted the operation, making it difficult for security officials to effect the arrest.
In its statement, MURIC condemned the manner in which the airport operation was conducted, describing the situation as “rowdy, disorderly and melodramatic” and lacking decorum. The group said the scene was “crude and blown out of proportion.”
MURIC also criticised the forceful seizure of El-Rufai’s international passport from his aide, likening it to tactics it said were reminiscent of Nazi Gestapo methods. The group argued that such action was unnecessary, especially since El-Rufai had returned voluntarily to the country and had no apparent intention of absconding.
The rights organisation underscored that El-Rufai’s right to dignity and freedom of movement are protected under Sections 34 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). MURIC framed the airport encounter as an unconstitutional attempt at public humiliation and warned that such incidents weaken confidence in Nigeria’s democratic and legal systems.
Furthermore, the statement raised concerns about the selective enforcement of law against opposition figures, questioning why investigations and summons seem to disproportionately affect politicians outside the ruling party.
However, MURIC cautioned that perceived political victimisation and human rights abuses could give foreign powers, particularly the United States, a pretext to intervene in Nigeria’s internal affairs — an outcome it said must be avoided.
As the controversy continues to unfold, there has been no official response yet from the DSS or other security agencies regarding MURIC’s warning or the allegations surrounding the airport incident.
About The Author
