Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Adeyanju dissected the widely circulated video of the airport encounter, insisting that there was no genuine attempt to arrest El-Rufai. “I watched the clip, and I’m not convinced that any security agency actually planned to detain him,” he said. “If they had wanted to arrest him, they would have done so without hesitation. What happened was clearly exaggerated for effect.”
Adeyanju went further, labeling El-Rufai a “drama artist” who thrives on sensationalism. “Malam Nasir El-Rufai has always been one to play to the gallery,” he remarked. “He knows how to manipulate public perception, especially now that he’s in opposition. He came prepared for the cameras, and he got exactly what he wanted—attention.”
The activist pointed out that the real issue at the airport was likely the seizure of El-Rufai’s passport by the Department of State Services (DSS). “I believe what happened was that his name appeared on a watchlist, and the DSS simply followed protocol by taking his passport,” Adeyanju explained. “That’s a far cry from an arrest. If they had intended to detain him, they wouldn’t have stopped at just collecting his travel document.”
He also dismissed El-Rufai’s claims of unlawful harassment, reminding him that Nigerian law permits security agencies to act on probable cause or with a warrant. “El-Rufai is not a novice; he understands the legal framework,” Adeyanju said. “Probable cause is a valid basis for arrest, and even a warrant can be obtained if necessary. The fact that neither was fully executed suggests that this was more about optics than actual legal action.”
Adeyanju then turned the tables on El-Rufai, highlighting what he called the former governor’s hypocrisy. “It’s ironic that the same man who once wielded state power to intimidate critics is now playing the victim,” he said. He cited several instances during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor where opposition figures, activists, and even former allies faced severe repercussions.
“Let’s not forget how Shehu Sani, Audu Maikori, and Chidi Odinkalu were treated under his administration,” Adeyanju recalled. “People’s homes were demolished without due process, critics were harassed, and some were even detained on flimsy grounds. Where was his concern for human rights then?”
The activist also referenced the ongoing investigations into El-Rufai’s administration by anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). “He has admitted that these agencies are looking into his activities,” Adeyanju noted. “So why the sudden theatrics at the airport? If he has nothing to hide, he should submit himself for questioning like any other citizen.”
Adeyanju emphasized that calling for an investigation does not equate to a presumption of guilt. “Nobody is saying he’s guilty yet,” he clarified. “But if there are allegations, they should be properly investigated. If there’s sufficient evidence, he should face trial. That’s how the rule of law works.”
He further criticized El-Rufai’s portrayal of the situation as political persecution, arguing that the former governor was merely experiencing the kind of scrutiny he once imposed on others. “The oppressors of yesterday are suddenly crying foul when the tables turn,” Adeyanju said. “This is not persecution; it’s accountability. And if he truly believes in justice, he should welcome it.”
In closing, Adeyanju reiterated his call for a thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations against El-Rufai. “Some of his aides are already in custody, and others are facing trial,” he pointed out. “He can’t be the judge in his own case. Let the law take its course. If he’s innocent, the process will vindicate him. But if there’s wrongdoing, he should answer for it like anyone else.”
The activist’s remarks have sparked fresh debate on social media, with some Nigerians applauding his stance on accountability while others accuse him of bias. Regardless, the incident has once again put El-Rufai’s post-gubernatorial controversies in the spotlight, raising questions about the intersection of power, justice, and political theatrics in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
