DSS Arrests Five Security Officers Over Alleged Bribery in El-Rufai’s Airport Return

By Tgnews Reporter

The Department of State Services (DSS) has detained five security operatives from various agencies for their alleged role in facilitating former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s return to Nigeria on February 12, avoiding an attempted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The arrests followed a joint investigation involving the DSS, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

The officers reportedly confessed to receiving bribes that enabled unauthorized access to restricted areas and obstructed a planned security operation.

The detained personnel are: Ayuba Yakubu (ASP) – Nigeria Police Force; Murtala Inuwa – Department of State Services (DSS); Najeeb Murtala (ASI) – Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS); Musa Adamu – Aviation Security (AVSEC), and Salihu Victor – Aviation Security (AVSEC)

According to the DSS, the officers allowed El-Rufai to bypass protocols during his arrival from Egypt, leading to the failure of an attempt to detain him at the airport.

His international passport was seized from an aide, as confirmed by his spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, who described the incident as an attempted arrest without formal invitation.

The DSS clarified that while some officers accepted bribes, others abused their positions without direct financial gain but consented to the breach and will face administrative sanctions.

The five primary suspects have been handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for prosecution.

The development comes amid ongoing probes into El-Rufai. After his return, he honored an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, where he was detained, interrogated for three days, and granted bail.

He was subsequently arrested by the DSS before being transferred to ICPC custody, where he remains as investigations continue into allegations including money laundering, abuse of office, and related matters.

El-Rufai has denied all accusations, describing them as politically motivated witch-hunts. His family and supporters have challenged aspects of the probes, including claims of recovered items from his residence.

The arrests highlight security lapses at the airport and raise questions about integrity within federal agencies. Authorities have pledged thorough action to address the breach and prevent future incidents.