Kaduna Govt Gives El-Rufai One Week to Prove ₦1bn Payment to Bandits or Face Legal Action
The Kaduna State Government has dismissed as false and politically driven the allegation by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai that Governor Uba Sani’s administration paid ₦1bn to bandits, giving him one week to provide evidence or retract the claim or face legal action.
In a statement on Sunday, the government said El-Rufai’s comments were made without proof and amounted to “reckless, baseless and deliberately misleading” assertions.
The former governor had alleged during a Channels Television interview that the state government paid bandits as part of security engagements.
But the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), criticised El-Rufai for “recklessly weaponizing a sensitive security issue for political grandstanding,” insisting that such conduct falls below the standard expected of a former leader.
The government said El-Rufai must retract the allegation and tender an unreserved apology within one week or risk the State initiating legal steps “to safeguard public order and institutional integrity.”
It reaffirmed that Governor Uba Sani has never authorised, negotiated, or paid any money to criminal groups, stressing through the Commissioner that the Governor has repeatedly made his stance clear, adding, “Not one naira. Not one kobo.”
It recalled that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had earlier dismissed similar claims by El-Rufai as unfounded and inconsistent with Nigeria’s national security practices, noting that neither the Federal Government nor state governments pay ransom to criminal elements.
The Kaduna State Government said its current security strategy is anchored on strengthened military operations, deeper engagement with legitimate community leaders, and broader access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities, stating, “The State engages communities, not bandits.”
It noted that grassroots groups, including the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, who suffered some of the worst security challenges under El-Rufai, have publicly refuted his claims as untrue.
The statement added that senior officials from El-Rufai’s own administration had previously accused him of using public funds to appease certain groups, describing his latest allegation as “deeply paradoxical.”
It emphasised that since assuming office, Governor Sani has focused on stabilising vulnerable communities, reopening schools, markets and farmlands, and restoring trust among previously divided groups.
The government urged former officials to exercise restraint and support ongoing peace efforts rather than cause distractions.
It challenged El-Rufai to present credible evidence such as bank documents, memos or security records if he possesses any, noting that similar allegations he made in September 2025 were never backed with proof.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and responsible security management, the government said it will not be derailed by “the politics of bitterness, fear mongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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