Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has taken a swipe at former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, following the latter's claim that the Federal Government was planning to arrest him upon his return to Nigeria.
Adeyanju, reacting to the development, accused El-Rufai of double standards, recalling his own actions taken against critics during his tenure as governor.
"ElRufai said they are planning to arrest him soon. ElRufai arrested everyone who criticized him in Kaduna. His critic Dadiyata who was abducted in front of his wife and daughter disappeared till today without trace. The oppressors of yesterday are now comrades," Adeyanju said.
El-Rufai had, in a two-page document titled "Confidential Briefing Memo" dated February 10, 2026, raised concerns about what he described as an anticipated politically motivated arrest and detention upon his return to Nigeria.
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In the memo, with the subject 'Concerns Regarding Anticipated Politically Motivated Detention on Return to Nigeria,' the former governor alleged that he and his associates have faced sustained pressure from security and anti-corruption agencies since he distanced himself from the current administration.
"Since formally withdrawing my earlier acceptance to serve in the Tinubu administration in August 2023 and subsequently resigning from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), my close allies and I have been subjected to repeated investigations by security and anti-corruption agencies," he stated.
He further alleged that several of his former aides and associates were unlawfully detained.
"Officials who served in my administration and business persons alleged to be associated with me have been unlawfully detained without charge for extended periods, including my Chief of Staff (50 days), a Senior Adviser (28 days), a commissioner (24 days), and a CEO (over 70 days and still detained). They are then arraigned on phantom charges, with judges influenced to deny bail or impose stringent conditions," he said.
Speaking on the alleged arrest plan, El-Rufai added:
"Credible information now establishes the certainty of arrest and detention without basis upon my imminent return to Nigeria, inconsistent with constitutional safeguards and international obligations."
He also claimed: "Multiple investigations have yielded no credible formal accusation.
"Sponsored media publications deploy innuendo and falsehood to tarnish my reputation.
"No formal queries or invitations were issued prior to my departure for vacation in November 2025.
"There is a history of selective prosecution of opposition figures.
"Judicial rulings granting relief in similar cases are routinely ignored by the ruling party and its officials."
Despite speculation that he may remain abroad, El-Rufai confirmed that he was returning to Nigeria soon.
"I'm on my way back to Nigeria," he said in a brief interview with PremiumTimes.
Sources close to the former governor disclosed that he is expected in Abuja within 48 hours and has notified the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of his readiness to appear at its office by 10 a.m. on Monday, February 16.
El-Rufai travelled abroad on November 30, 2025, after attending social engagements in Lagos. During his absence, the EFCC reportedly delivered a letter of invitation to his residence in December 2025, fuelling speculation that he could be arrested upon return.
Since leaving office in 2023, El-Rufai has remained active in Nigeria's political landscape. He played a significant role in the emergence of President Bola Tinubu as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, particularly championing the zoning of the party's ticket to the South-West.
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Although nominated for a ministerial position after President Tinubu assumed office, the Senate declined to confirm his nomination, reportedly citing a security report. He subsequently declined reconsideration.
El-Rufai later exited the APC for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and has since emerged as one of the administration's vocal critics.
In March 2024, his successor, Governor Uba Sani, initiated a probe into his administration. El-Rufai challenged the probe report at the Federal High Court.
The EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are currently investigating corruption allegations involving the former governor and some of his former officials. El-Rufai has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the actions against him are politically motivated.
