Kaduna Govt Gives El-Rufai 7 Days to Provide Evidence of ₦1bn Bandits Payment Claim
The Kaduna State Government has given former governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai seven days to provide evidence supporting his claim that the current administration released ₦1 billion to bandits.
The allegation, which El-Rufai made during a television interview, was immediately dismissed by the state government as “shocking and completely untrue.”
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Hon. (Dr.) Sule Shu’aibu, SAN, the government described the former governor’s comments as “a fabrication devoid of context, substance, or credibility,” warning that such claims could inflame tensions and mislead the public.
The government further labelled the allegation “astonishing, baseless, and politically motivated,” adding that leaders should avoid making statements capable of spreading fear among residents.
According to the commissioner, Governor Uba Sani has never authorised any ransom payment to criminal groups.
“He does not know any bandits, has never met them, and has never disbursed a single naira or kobo to them,” Shu’aibu said, noting that similar rumours had previously been debunked. He added that federal security authorities have repeatedly affirmed that ransom payments are not part of national policy.
The statement highlighted improvements in security across the state, noting that previously troubled communities are now experiencing fewer attacks, with markets, farmlands and some schools reopening. Community groups have also reacted, with some accusing the previous administration of presiding over an escalation in banditry.
The government noted that a few former officials from El-Rufai’s administration had earlier made remarks suggesting questionable engagements with armed groups, adding that these were issues the former governor still needed to clarify.
Shu’aibu said El-Rufai must present verifiable proof—such as documents or security reports—if he intends to stand by his allegation. The government recalled that the former governor made a similar claim last year but failed to provide any evidence.
The Kaduna State Government is also demanding an apology, warning that legal action may be taken if El-Rufai does not retract the allegation within seven days.
The government assured residents that it remains focused on sustaining peace and will not be distracted by political disputes.
