A Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has dismissed claims by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that the Department of State Services (DSS) planned to arrest him.
Speaking on Friday, Adeyanju described El-Rufai’s recent statements as theatrical and intended for public attention rather than reality.
“El-Rufai is just sensational and a drama artist. He was very prepared for the cameras at the airport. If the DSS planned to arrest, he would have been arrested,” Adeyanju said.
El-Rufai had earlier alleged that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, instructed security agencies to arrest him, based on intercepted phone calls. He claimed that his associates had tapped communications linking Ribadu to a plan targeting him.
The former governor made these claims during an interview on Arise News Channel, adding that he had also been targeted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
El-Rufai said the ICPC allegedly used the DSS as a personal tool of Ribadu to issue orders against him. While criticizing the ICPC, he praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for acting professionally and stated he would cooperate with them.
His claims sparked debates on social media and among political observers, with some questioning the credibility of the allegations.
Adeyanju argued that El-Rufai’s statements were more about gaining attention than reporting actual threats. He noted that the former governor appeared ready for the media, especially during his recent movements through the airport, which Adeyanju said was staged for effect.
“He was very prepared for the cameras at the airport,” Adeyanju remarked. “If there was any real plan to arrest him, he would not have walked freely. The DSS is professional and would have carried out the arrest quietly.”
Adeyanju also highlighted that public allegations of illegal actions by security agencies should be substantiated with evidence to avoid creating unnecessary panic or mistrust.
The controversy continues to draw attention, with Nigerians closely watching how both the DSS and El-Rufai respond in the coming days.
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