Former FCT Minister El-Rufai May Spend Night In SSS Detention

There was no indication this evening that the former Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasir El-Rufai, who voluntarily turned himself in at the headquarters of the State Security Service (SSS) in Abuja this morning, would be released to go home.

The SSS had declared El Rufai, the Interim Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) wanted over a comment attributed to him that the 2015 election could turn violent if rigged and many people left dead.

As of 7.20pm Nigerian time on Monday, the former Minister was still being detained by operatives of the SSS.

Journalists who were anxiously keeping vigil for the outcome of the interrogation left for home in disappointment.

There are indications that the service may file charges against El Rufai, but as of the time of this report there was no official statement in respect of the detention.

The former Minister was accompanied to the SSS this morning by his lawyer, Bamidele Aturu; the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi; Senator Chris Ngige and some members of his family.  Neither the governor nor the Senator was allowed in.

Last Friday, SSS operatives stormed El-Rufai’s residence to arrest him following his refusal to honor an invitation by the Service.   The former Minister explained he ignored the invitation because no valid arrest warrant was produced by the operatives as the law allows.                                              

Marilyn Ogar, speaking for the SSS, last week promised to arrest the APC chieftain.  “He cannot continue to incite members of the public, causing trouble, and expect to go scot free,” she swore.

Critics of the government allege that such boasts apply not to the public interest, but to opponents of the government.  They cite the case of wealthy pro-Goodluck Jonathan former militant, Asari Dokubo, who has repeatedly vowed fire and bloodshed should Jonathan not be re-elected to office next year. 

“He is so loved and so protected by the security services they help to wipe his brows when he sweats,” a political analyst said.  “When he was in trouble in neighboring Benin Republic, guess whose jet ferried him home?”