_By Adesakin Adefemi
November 24, 2025_
The Kaduna State Government has issued a one-week ultimatum to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, demanding he substantiate his claim that Governor Uba Sani’s administration paid ₦1 billion to bandits—or publicly retract the statement. The government dismisses the allegation as “false and politically motivated,” warning of legal action if he fails to comply.
El-Rufai made the claim during a recent interview on Channels Television, saying the payment was part of “security measures.” The Kaduna government rejects this as baseless, with Commissioner for Internal Security, Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), calling it “reckless, deliberately misleading”—unfit for a former governor.
The statement stresses that Governor Sani “has never authorized, negotiated, or paid any money to criminal organizations.” Shu’aibu added, “Not one naira. Not one kobo,” insisting Sani’s stance is clear in public engagements.
The government accuses El-Rufai of exploiting a sensitive security issue for political gain, saying such behavior is “unbecoming.” It demands a retraction and full apology within a week, threatening a lawsuit to “protect public order and integrity.”
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) previously dismissed similar claims by El-Rufai as “unfounded and inconsistent with Nigeria’s security protocols,” confirming no federal or state government pays ransoms to criminals.
Kaduna’s security strategy focuses on _community engagement, military operations, education, healthcare, and jobs_. “The state engages communities, not bandits,” the government emphasized.
Grassroots groups like the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance—hit hard by insecurity under El-Rufai—publicly countered his claims, labeling them “misleading and false.”
The government also referenced past accusations by El-Rufai’s officials about fund misuse, saying this makes his current claims “highly contradictory.” It challenges him to provide credible evidence: bank statements, communications, security documents.
Since taking office, Sani has prioritized stabilizing communities, reopening schools, markets, farms, and rebuilding trust, the statement notes.
The Kaduna government calls on former officials to exercise restraint and aid peace efforts instead of fueling tensions.
El-Rufai’s September 2025 claims lacked proof—the government now demands he backs it up. Failure to comply means legal proceedings. “We’ll protect our people’s trust,” Shu’aibu warned.
