Speaking during a visit from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai said the incident has strengthened his resolve to challenge the current government.
El-Rufai characterized the airport episode as “unfortunate, completely unnecessary, and possibly criminal,” alleging that the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) deployed Department of State Services (DSS) operatives to detain him without prior notice or formal invitation.
While acknowledging that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had previously requested his presence, El-Rufai explained that his legal representative informed the commission of his travel status and confirmed his availability for Monday at 10 a.m. He insisted no communication had been received from the ICPC before the airport incident.