The Department of State Services (DSS) has detained five security officers over a major breach at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai.
The officers, drawn from multiple security agencies, are accused of facilitating unauthorized access to restricted areas during El‑Rufai’s return to Nigeria earlier this year.
Sources say the incident occurred on February 12, 2026, and involved bribery and protocol violations.
The detained officers include:
Ayuba Yakubu, Assistant Superintendent of Police
Mutala Inuwa, DSS operative
Najeeb Murtala, Assistant Superintendent of Immigration
Musa Adamu, Aviation Security (AVSEC)
Salihu Victor, Aviation Security (AVSEC)
Related News:
El-Rufai: APC Could Arrest Me Anytime
El-Rufai’s Wife Denies ICPC’s Wiretapping Claims at El-Rufai’s House
FG Charges El-Rufai Over NSA Ribadu Phone Interception
EFCC Faces Lawsuit Threat Over El-Rufai Arrest Attempt
ICPC Conducts Search at Former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai’s Abuja Residence
Native Doctor Akwa Okuko Convicted, Sentenced to Two Years in Prison
Protesters Gather as El-Rufai Arrives EFCC Headquarters
Officials revealed that all five have confessed to accepting bribes to allow El‑Rufai and his associates into secure areas, circumventing standard security procedures.
Following their detention, the officers were handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to face prosecution.
Security sources added that additional personnel involved but not directly implicated in bribery will face administrative disciplinary action.
The scandal has reignited scrutiny of El‑Rufai’s activities following his return from abroad. Authorities reportedly attempted to arrest him at the airport, sparking controversy over due process.
Investigations by the ICPC also include searches of El‑Rufai’s Abuja residence and scrutiny of his financial records — claims his family has denied.
The DSS and ICPC investigations underscore ongoing concerns about aviation security and corruption in Nigeria, with legal proceedings expected to continue in the coming weeks.
About the Author
