Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai
Kaduna State Government has dismissed as false and politically motivated the allegation by former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai that the administration of Governor Uba Sani paid ₦1 billion to bandits.
The claim, made by El-Rufai during a Channels Television interview, was described by the government as baseless and deliberately crafted to mislead the public.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Hon. (Dr.) Sule Shu’aibu, SAN, said the former governor’s remarks were “a fabrication devoid of context, substance, or credibility.”
He accused El-Rufai of attempting to undermine the strides recorded in stabilising vulnerable communities across the state.
The commissioner faulted the former governor for “recklessly weaponising a sensitive security matter for political grandstanding,” saying such comments fall far below the expectations for someone who once led the state.
He stressed that Governor Uba Sani has never authorised, negotiated, or paid any money to criminal groups, noting that the governor has consistently made this clear in various public engagements. “Not one naira. Not one kobo,” he said.
Shu’aibu recalled that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had earlier dismissed similar allegations as unfounded, affirming that ransom payments to criminal elements are not part of Nigeria’s national security practice at federal or state levels.
The statement highlighted the state government’s security strategy, which focuses on strengthening military operations, deepening engagement with legitimate community leaders, and expanding access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. “The State engages communities, not bandits,” it added.
It noted that groups such as the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, one of the most affected during El-Rufai’s tenure have publicly refuted his latest claims, describing them as misleading and untrue.
The government also referenced past accusations by senior officials in El-Rufai’s administration suggesting that public funds were used to appease certain groups, saying it was “deeply paradoxical” for the former governor to now make unsubstantiated allegations against his successor.
Challenging El-Rufai to provide credible evidence such as bank records or official security documents, the government said similar claims he made in September 2025 were never backed by facts.
It demanded that the former governor retract his statement and issue a public apology within one week or face legal action “to safeguard public order and institutional integrity.”
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the Kaduna State Government said it would not be distracted by “the politics of bitterness, fearmongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.”
