El-Rufai Still in SSS Custody

Mallam Nasir El-rufai

The State Security Service on Monday detained a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai at its headquarters in Abuja. El-rufa in company of his wife, Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Chris Ngige got to SSS headquarters around 9:20am yesterday and has since been with the security agency.

El-Rufai, in an interview with journalists moments before he entered the SSS office on Monday, explained that he did not honour the invitation earlier as there was no warrant, adding that the SSS had no power to compel him to come to its office because of the statement he made.

He said, “The SSS has provided the Warrant of Arrest and shown it to my lawyer on Friday and I said to my lawyer that we will come here this morning (Monday).

Amaechi said he was mandated by the leadership of the APC to accompany the ex-minister. Other party chieftains, including the APC national secretary, Mr. Tijani Tumsah, who also accompanied el-Rufai, were barred from entering the SSS premises.

El-rufai was summoned by SSS over inciting statement he made concerning the 2015 general elections.

APC has condemned the SSS for haunting its deputy national secretary, saying the comments attributed to the former minister were just obvious statements.

The ex-minister is yet to be released.