The Kaduna State Government, on Sunday, gave ex-governor Nasir El-Rufai one week to substantiate his claim that Governor Uba Sani’s administration paid N1 billion to bandits.
The government, which dismissed El-Rufai’s allegation as “false and politically motivated”, said he must provide proof or tender a public apology for the claim, failing which he would face legal action.
El-Rufai had alleged during a recent interview on Channels Television that the state government made payments to criminal groups as part of security arrangements.
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But in the Sunday statement, the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), described the claim as “reckless, baseless and deliberately misleading.”
The government criticised El-Rufai for “weaponising a sensitive security issue for political grandstanding,” noting that such conduct falls below the standards expected of a former governor.
It reiterated that Governor Sani has never authorised, negotiated, or paid any money to criminal elements. “Not one naira. Not one kobo,” the commissioner said.
The statement highlighted that the Office of the National Security Adviser had previously dismissed similar claims by El-Rufai as unfounded and inconsistent with national security practices, affirming that neither the Federal Government nor state governments engage in ransom payments to criminals.
Kaduna’s administration emphasised its community-focused security strategy, which includes strengthened military operations, engagement with legitimate community leaders, and improved access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
“The state engages communities, not bandits,” the statement said.
Grassroots groups, including the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, which endured severe security challenges during El-Rufai’s tenure, have publicly refuted the former governor’s claims as misleading.
The government also referenced past accusations from senior members of El-Rufai’s administration alleging that he used public funds to appease certain groups, describing his current allegations as “deeply paradoxical.”
“Since assuming office, Governor Sani has focused on stabilising vulnerable communities, reopening schools, markets, and farmlands, and rebuilding trust among previously fractured groups,” the state said, urging former officials to show restraint and support ongoing peacebuilding efforts.
The statement challenged El-Rufai to produce any credible evidence, such as bank records, internal memos, or security documents, noting that previous similar allegations he made in September 2025 lacked proof.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and responsible security governance, the Kaduna State Government said it will not be distracted by “the politics of bitterness, fear mongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.”
