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The Kaduna State Government on Sunday gave former governor Nasir El-Rufai a one-week deadline to provide evidence supporting his allegation that Governor Uba Sani’s administration paid N1 billion to bandits.
The government dismissed the claim as politically motivated and unfounded, insisting El-Rufai must either back his statement with proof or issue a public apology — failure to comply could lead to legal consequences.
El-Rufai had made the accusation during an interview on Channels Television, claiming that the state government had made payments to criminal gangs as part of security arrangements.
However, Kaduna’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), labelled the allegation as baseless, reckless, and deliberately misleading.
The state government condemned El-Rufai for politicising a delicate security issue and stressed that such conduct is unbecoming of a former governor.
Shu’aibu reiterated that Governor Sani has never authorised or made any payment to criminal groups, emphasising, “Not a single kobo or naira has been paid.”
The statement recalled that the Office of the National Security Adviser previously refuted similar claims by El-Rufai, affirming that neither federal nor state governments engage in ransom payments to criminals as a security policy.
Kaduna highlighted its security strategy, which involves intensified military operations, collaboration with legitimate community leaders, and efforts to improve education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
“The state works with communities, not bandits,” the statement emphasised.
Grassroots organisations such as the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, who experienced severe security challenges during El-Rufai’s tenure, have also refuted his claims as misleading.
The government pointed out previous accusations from senior members of El-Rufai’s administration alleging misuse of public funds to appease groups, describing the current allegations as contradictory.
Since taking office, Governor Sani’s administration has prioritised stabilising vulnerable communities, reopening schools, markets, and farmlands, and restoring trust among divided groups. The government urged former officials to exercise restraint and support peacebuilding efforts.
Kaduna’s government challenged El-Rufai to present credible evidence, such as bank documents, internal memos, or security reports, noting that earlier allegations he made in September 2025 were unsubstantiated.
The state reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and responsible governance and declared it will not be distracted by “political bitterness, fearmongering, or fabricated accusations.”
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