The Kaduna State Government on Sunday issued a one-week ultimatum to former governor Nasir El-Rufai to substantiate his claim that Governor Uba Sani’s administration paid N1 billion to bandits.
Describing the allegation as “false and politically motivated,” the government demanded that El-Rufai provide evidence or publicly apologise, warning that failure to do so would result in legal proceedings.
El-Rufai had alleged during a recent interview on Channels Television that payments were made by the state government to criminal groups as part of security arrangements.
However, Kaduna’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), dismissed the claim as “reckless, unfounded, and intentionally misleading.”
The government condemned El-Rufai for “exploiting a sensitive security issue for political gain,” stating that such behaviour falls short of what is expected from a former governor.
Commissioner Shu’aibu reaffirmed that Governor Sani has never authorised, negotiated, or made any payments to criminal elements, insisting, “Not a single naira or kobo has been paid.”
The statement also recalled that the Office of the National Security Adviser had previously rejected similar allegations from El-Rufai, confirming that neither the Federal Government nor state governments pay ransom to criminals as a policy.
Kaduna’s administration highlighted its community-based security approach, which involves enhanced military operations, collaboration with legitimate community leaders, and efforts to improve education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
“The state partners with communities, not bandits,” the statement emphasised.
Security-focused grassroots groups such as the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance—who suffered serious security challenges under El-Rufai’s tenure—have publicly refuted the former governor’s assertions as misleading.
The government also pointed to prior claims from senior members of El-Rufai’s own administration accusing him of using public funds to appease certain groups, labelling his current allegations as “deeply contradictory.”
Since Governor Sani assumed office, the government stated, focus has been on stabilising vulnerable communities, reopening schools, markets, and farmlands, and rebuilding trust among divided groups. It urged former officials to exercise restraint and support ongoing peace initiatives.
The state government challenged El-Rufai to present credible proof, such as bank statements, internal communications, or security documents, noting that his similar claims in September 2025 lacked any supporting evidence.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency and responsible governance, Kaduna vowed not to be sidetracked by “political bitterness, fear-mongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.”
