According to a report by Vanguard on Thursday, March 26, 2026, Solomon Dalung has commented on the actions of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing his decision to surrender to security agencies ahead of his trial as a major miscalculation.
Dalung made this known during an interview published on YouTube by Trust TV on Tuesday.
His remarks form part of ongoing discussions surrounding the circumstances that led to El-Rufai’s interaction with law enforcement authorities.
During the interview, Dalung alleged that there had been an earlier attempt by government authorities to arrest El-Rufai at an airport, but the effort did not succeed.
He suggested that the situation may have been handled cautiously due to concerns about possible unrest.
According to him, the authorities may have reconsidered their approach after the failed attempt, taking into account the potential consequences of a forceful arrest involving a prominent political figure.
This perspective adds to the evolving narrative about how the situation developed.
Dalung argued that El-Rufai’s subsequent decision to voluntarily submit himself to security agencies changed the dynamics of the situation.
He maintained that the move weakened the former governor’s position and allowed authorities to take control of the process without facing the complications that might have arisen from an attempted arrest.
In his view, the decision altered the balance of events, making it easier for those pursuing the case to proceed without resistance.
The former minister also suggested that the government’s approach reflected a level of caution due to El-Rufai’s political influence.
As a former governor of Kaduna State, El-Rufai remains a notable figure in national politics, and developments involving him continue to attract attention.
Dalung’s comments indicate that authorities may have been mindful of the broader implications of their actions, particularly in relation to public reaction and political stability.
The discussion highlights the complex relationship between political actors and security institutions in Nigeria.
Situations involving high-profile individuals often attract scrutiny, with different interpretations emerging about the decisions taken by both the individuals involved and the authorities.
Dalung’s remarks reflect one perspective on the matter, focusing on strategy and timing in dealing with legal and investigative processes.
He said, “The government is so scared of El-Rufai, that was why they thought he was going to act and they need to take him into custody. They attempted at the airport and it failed and then they realized that trying to arrest him may instigate insurrection.”