El-Rufai: Tension Mounts as Timi Frank Alleges DSS Arrest Plot at Abuja Court

Nasir Ahmed 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.” Timi Frank

Political tension heightened in Abuja on Monday following allegations by former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) are planning to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, at the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Frank, in a statement issued early Monday, claimed the alleged operation would take place as El-Rufai appears before Justice M.B. Idris, warning that such a move could trigger a constitutional crisis if it violates existing court directives.

“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,” Frank said.

Alleged Clash with Court Orders

Central to Frank’s claim is the assertion that El-Rufai is currently under the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) by virtue of a subsisting court order.

He argued that any attempt by another security agency to assume custody at the court premises would directly contradict judicial authority and undermine due process.

Frank further alleged that security operatives held a late-night meeting on Sunday to finalise plans for the purported arrest.

However, as of press time, no official confirmation of such a meeting or planned operation had been issued by the DSS, ICPC, or court authorities.

Political Undertones and Accusations

The activist framed the alleged move as part of a broader political effort linked to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to weaken perceived opponents.

“It is becoming increasingly obvious that he is being treated as a political target of the current administration,” Frank alleged.

He also took aim at Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, suggesting that recent developments may be inconsistent with democratic norms and civil liberties.

Frank warned that, beyond an immediate arrest, there could be a longer-term plan to detain El-Rufai through the 2027 election cycle—an allegation for which no independent evidence was provided.

Calls for Restraint and Oversight

Amid the claims, Frank called on civil society organisations, northern leaders, and the international community to closely monitor the situation, cautioning against actions that could inflame political tensions.

He described any attempt to forcibly remove El-Rufai from court custody as “An assault on the rule of law.”

He also urged authorities to ensure that anti-corruption efforts are conducted within the bounds of fairness, justice, and due process.

Historical Warning Against Silence

Invoking the famous words of German theologian Martin Niemöller, Frank warned against public silence in the face of alleged injustice, quoting the well-known “First they came…” passage as a cautionary reflection on the consequences of inaction.

As of the time of filing this report, the Department of State Services has not issued any statement regarding the allegation.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has not confirmed any custody arrangement involving El-Rufai.

Court officials at the Federal High Court, Abuja, have not publicly clarified the status of proceedings or any related security directives.

Efforts to reach aides of El-Rufai for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.