Human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has characterized the recent airport confrontation involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as a case of “karma,” asserting that the former governor is now on the receiving end of the same aggressive tactics he once used against others.
Appearing on ARISE News’ Prime Time Special on Friday, February 13, 2026, Adeyanju dismissed El-Rufai’s claims of political persecution.
He argued that the former governor and his associates acted with impunity during their time in power, stating: “He’s facing the same karma today because when these guys were in power, they behaved like gods. They did not follow due process.”
Read Also: Why My Son Remains In APC — El-Rufai
He further questioned the necessity of the public outcry following the incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, noting that El-Rufai was already aware that both the EFCC and ICPC were investigating him.
“If these agencies were looking for you and you are aware, why are you creating the drama?” Adeyanju asked.
While the activist clarified that any arrest without a warrant would be “unlawful and unconstitutional,” he expressed doubt that an actual arrest was planned.
Instead, he suggested that El-Rufai had likely been placed on a security watchlist, which typically begins with the confiscation of travel documents. “Once you are put on a watchlist, the first thing they target is your passport. I believe that in the process, they have gotten his passport,” he explained.
Read Also: What Enthusiastic Crowd Did To El-Rufai After Friday Prayers In Kaduna [VIDEO]
Adeyanju urged Nigerians to recall El-Rufai’s own record in office before labeling him a victim, citing the demolition of opponents’ properties and the dismissal of civil servants despite subsisting court orders.
“Nobody is persecuting him. If you want to see persecution, go and look at the victims of Malam Nasiru El-Rufai when he was governor,” he remarked.
He insisted that El-Rufai must now face the standard legal process, noting that “the oppressors of yesterday cannot suddenly become heroes today.”
While he maintained that El-Rufai’s fundamental rights must be respected, he concluded that the former governor should submit to a full probe: “He cannot be the judge, jury, and executioner. He should submit himself to investigation and probe.”
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
