DSS Detains Five Security Operatives Over Alleged Role In El-Rufai’s Airport Return From Egypt

The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken five security personnel into custody over their alleged roles in the controversial return of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from Egypt on February 12.

According to Daily Trust, the officers were accused of aiding unauthorized access and disrupting legitimate security procedures during El-Rufai’s arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Attempts by authorities to arrest him at the airport were unsuccessful, although his international passport was confiscated.

El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed that the former governor refused to cooperate with security agents at the airport because there was no formal invitation presented to him. Three days later, he honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was detained and questioned for three days before being granted bail. He was later arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

A joint probe involving the DSS, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Ministry of Aviation reportedly uncovered misconduct, leading to the arrest of five officers: ASP Ayuba Yakubu (Police), Murtala Inuwa (DSS), ASI Najeeb Murtala (NIS), Musa Adamu (Aviation Security), and Salihu Victor (Aviation Security).

The DSS disclosed that the detained officers admitted to collecting bribes to grant access into restricted airport zones and to interfere with lawful security operations. They have since been transferred to the ICPC for prosecution. Other officials found to have abused their offices without committing criminal offences are expected to face internal disciplinary measures.