Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Kaduna State Government has issued one week ultimatum to the former governor of the state, Nasir el-Rufai to show the proof of payment of a staggering sum of N1 billion to bandits or face legal battle.
The government described the comments as false, politically motivated and lacking in evidence.
In a press statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu, the government said el-Rufai’s allegations were a fabrication devoid of context, substance or credibility, accusing him of attempting to mislead the public and undermine the progress made in restoring peace and stability across the state.
The statement chided the former governor for “recklessly weaponizing a sensitive security issue for political grandstanding,” noting that such conduct falls below the standard expected of a former leader who once held the highest office in the state.
The government reiterated that Sani has never authorised, negotiated or paid any money to criminal groups.
According to the Commissioner, the Governor had repeatedly made this position clear in interviews, press briefings and stakeholder engagements, stressing, “Not one Naira, not one kobo.”
The statement further said that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) previously dismissed similar claims by El-Rufai as unfounded and inconsistent with Nigeria’s national security practices.
The ONSA had affirmed that neither the Federal Government nor state governments engage in ransom payments to criminal elements.
Reeling out its security strategy, the Kaduna State Government stated that the administration was implementing a community-focused approach anchored on strengthened military operations, deeper engagement with legitimate community leaders and improved access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. “The state engages communities, not bandits,” it said.
Grassroots groups, including the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, which experienced some of the most severe security challenges during el-Rufai’s tenure, had publicly refuted his claims, describing them as misleading and untrue.
The statement also referenced past accusations made by senior members of el-Rufai’s own administration alleging that he used public funds to appease certain groups. This, the government said, makes his current allegations “deeply paradoxical.”
Since taking office, Governor Uba Sani has prioritised stabilising vulnerable communities, reopening schools, markets and farmlands, and rebuilding trust among previously fractured groups.
The government urged former officials to show restraint and support the ongoing efforts to consolidate peace.
The statement challenged el-Rufai to present any credible evidence, such as bank records, internal memos or security documents, if he possesses any. It noted that similar allegations he made in September 2025 were never supported by proof.
The government demanded that el-Rufai retract his statement and issue an unreserved apology within one week, warning that failure to do so would compel the state to initiate legal action to safeguard public order and institutional integrity.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency and responsible security governance, the Kaduna State Government said it would not be distracted by the politics of bitterness, fear-mongering or orchestrated falsehoods.
