Nigerian activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has taken aim at former Kaduna State governor Nasir El‑Rufai, characterizing the ex‑governor’s recent call for adherence to the rule of law as a stark contrast to his record in public office.

The development follows an incident at Abuja International Airport where El‑Rufai, returning from Cairo, Egypt, was reportedly approached by security agents seeking to effect his arrest.

According to statements from El‑Rufai, the attempted arrest was unauthorized, prompting him to refuse cooperation and insist that officials issue a formal letter of invitation.

In a public post, El‑Rufai said, “My lawyers have issued a statement that condemns the illegal attempt to arrest me today at the Abuja airport upon my arrival from Cairo. Our country must outgrow executive overreach and deliberate disregard for the rule of law.”

In response, Adeyanju took to X to critique El‑Rufai’s stance, stating:

“El‑Rufai who oppressed everyone yesterday is crying and begging for rule of law. Karma, thank you for this.”