By Paul Joseph
Fresh developments have emerged in the controversy surrounding the recent return of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to Nigeria, as five security officers have been detained and handed over for prosecution over alleged misconduct at the airport.
The officers were arrested following investigations into the events that trailed El-Rufai’s arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on February 12, 2026.
Security sources disclosed that the detained officers are drawn from multiple government agencies and are slated for prosecution after a joint probe uncovered alleged compromise and abuse of official positions.
According to a senior security source, the arrests followed a coordinated investigation involving the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
“At the end of a joint investigation by the DSS, NIS, NCS and the Ministry of Aviation, five officers have been detained,” the source said.
Those detained include Ayuba Yakubu (ASP) of the Police; Murtala Inuwa of the DSS; Najeeb Murtala (ASI) of the NIS; Musa Adamu of Aviation Security (AVSEC); and Salihu Victor of AVSEC.
Investigators allege that the officers confessed to receiving bribes to facilitate unauthorized entry into restricted areas of the airport and to obstruct lawful security operations.
“They have all confessed to receiving bribes to facilitate unauthorized entry into Restricted Areas, to obstruct lawful security operations in an unprecedented manner,” the source added.
Consequently, the suspects have been handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for prosecution.
The source further disclosed that other personnel from the NIS and NCS, whose actions were deemed administrative rather than criminal, would face internal disciplinary measures.
“Others from NIS and NCS whose involvement is not criminal that is, they did not receive bribes but abused their uniforms to facilitate unauthorized access will face administrative action,” the source stated.
The unfolding developments have continued to generate reactions within security and political circles, as authorities move to reinforce operational integrity at the nation’s airports.
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