By Michael AMAJAMA
The Kaduna State Government has given former Governor Nasir el-Rufa’I one week to prove his claim that it paid bandits N1bn or face legal action.
The state government in a statement on Sunday asked the former governor to either provide evidence or publicly retract the allegation, or face legal action.
el-Rufa’I during a recent appearance on Channels Television alleged that the state government paid bandits as part of security engagements.
But reacting, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu, SAN, described the claim as “reckless, baseless and deliberately misleading.”
The state government accused the former governor for “recklessly weaponising a sensitive security issue for political grandstanding,” noting that such conduct falls below the standard expected of a former leader who once held the highest office in the state.
It charged him to “retract his statement and issue an unreserved apology within one week”, warning that failure to do so would compel the state to initiate legal proceedings “to safeguard public order and institutional integrity.”
The government reiterated that Governor Uba Sani has never authorised, negotiated, or paid any money to criminal groups.
According to the Commissioner, the governor has repeatedly made this position clear in interviews, press briefings, and stakeholder engagements, stressing: “Not one naira. Not one kobo.”
The statement further noted that the Office of the National Security Adviser had previously dismissed similar claims by El-Rufai as unfounded and inconsistent with Nigeria’s national security practices, affirming that neither the Federal Government nor state governments engage in ransom payments to criminal elements.
Highlighting its security strategy, the Kaduna State Government said the administration is implementing a community-focused approach anchored on strengthened military operations, deeper engagement with legitimate community leaders, and improved access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. “The state engages communities, not bandits,” it said.
Grassroots groups, including the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance—who witnessed some of the state’s worst security crises during El-Rufai’s tenure—have also publicly refuted his claims, describing them as misleading and untrue.
The statement further referenced past accusations made by senior members of El-Rufa’I’s own administration, alleging that he used public funds to appease certain groups. This, the government said, makes his current allegations “deeply paradoxical.”
Since assuming office, Sani has prioritised stabilising vulnerable communities, reopening schools, markets and farmlands, and rebuilding trust among previously fractured groups.
The government urged former officials to show restraint and support ongoing efforts to consolidate peace.
