Mr El-Rufai had been detained by the EFCC since Monday over corruption allegations. He was granted bail at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday but was immediately re-arrested by SSS operatives who allegedly laid in wait at the EFCC headquarters, according to witnesses.

Cybercrime Charges

The SSS arrest is linked to allegations that Mr El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

On Monday, the SSS filed cybercrime charges against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, stems from remarks he made during a live interview on Arise TV.

During the interview, Mr El-Rufai claimed the NSA’s phone had been tapped and alleged that he overheard instructions directing security operatives to detain him.

Prosecutors allege that he admitted to intercepting the NSA’s communications, failed to report unlawful interceptions carried out by others, and compromised national security by using technical systems to access the phone.

The charges reportedly violate provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. No arraignment date has been fixed, and Mr El-Rufai has yet to publicly respond to the charges.

Airport Confrontation

The controversy began last Thursday when security operatives attempted to arrest Mr El-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport shortly after his return from Cairo, Egypt.

Videos circulating online showed a confrontation between security personnel and his entourage. His international passport was briefly confiscated before he was escorted out amid chants from supporters.

Mr El-Rufai later alleged that the attempted arrest was carried out at the instruction of Mr Ribadu through the SSS.

Legal Pushback

His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemned the attempted arrest, describing it as arbitrary and unconstitutional.

According to Mr Akpan, the EFCC invitation was delivered while his client was abroad, making immediate compliance impossible. He said Mr El-Rufai formally communicated with the EFCC and agreed to return for questioning at 10 a.m. on Monday.

The lawyer also demanded the immediate return of his client’s passport and warned that legal action would be taken against any unlawful detention.

Political Undercurrents

Mr El-Rufai has faced increasing scrutiny since leaving office, including allegations of diverting N423 billion in public funds. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly called for investigations into his administration. He has also been summoned by the ICPC.

A former ally of President Bola Tinubu, Mr El-Rufai backed Mr Tinubu’s emergence as the APC presidential candidate in 2023. However, relations later deteriorated after his ministerial nomination did not materialise.

He has since joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and vowed to work with opposition figures to prevent Mr Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The latest arrest signals a new escalation in the unfolding legal and political battle.