Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has raised alarm over an alleged plan by security operatives to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Frank, in a statement issued in the early hours of Monday, claimed he received information from sources alleging that operatives of the Department of State Services may attempt to take El-Rufai into custody when he appears before Justice M.B. Idris.
According to him, the alleged move forms part of what he described as a broader plan to politically weaken the former governor.
“Pursuant to what appears to be a grand plan by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to politically eliminate Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, I have been reliably informed that plans have allegedly been concluded by the DSS to forcefully take him into custody today from the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he is meant to appear,” Frank stated.
He alleged that such action would contradict existing court orders directing that El-Rufai remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission pending the determination of matters before the court.
Frank further claimed that security operatives allegedly met on Sunday night to conclude arrangements for the planned arrest.
The political activist warned against any action capable of escalating political tension in the country, insisting that anti-corruption efforts must be pursued within the confines of the law.
“I support the fight against corruption, but such a fight must be fair, just, balanced and devoid of political persecution,” he said.
He also urged the Federal Government, security agencies and political leaders to respect the rule of law and avoid actions that could undermine democratic principles.
Frank expressed concern that if any alleged attempt to detain El-Rufai succeeds, the former governor could be kept in prolonged custody ahead of the 2027 elections.
The former APC spokesman also called on civil society organisations, religious leaders, northern stakeholders and the international community to monitor developments surrounding the case.
He maintained that any attempt to remove El-Rufai from the court premises in defiance of existing judicial orders would amount to an assault on the rule of law.
Frank further questioned whether the former governor was being selectively targeted among public officials facing investigations in the country.
“As lovers of democracy and justice, Nigerians must rise against oppression and selective justice,” he added.
Neither the DSS nor the Federal Government had officially responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
