Kaduna Govt denies El-Rufai’s claim that Gov Sani paid ₦1bn to bandits, demands retraction

The Kaduna State Government has strongly denied claims made by former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai that the administration of Governor Uba Sani paid ₦1 billion to bandits.

El-Rufai made the allegation during a Channels Television interview, but the government described his comments as “false, politically motivated, and unsupported by any evidence.”

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), the government said the allegation was “a complete fabrication lacking context, substance, and credibility,” accusing the former governor of attempting to mislead the public and undermine ongoing security efforts.

Shu’aibu faulted El-Rufai for “recklessly weaponising a sensitive security matter for political gain,” and said such behaviour is unbecoming of a former leader of the state.

He restated that Governor Uba Sani “has never authorised, negotiated, or paid any amount of money to criminal groups,” adding that the Governor has consistently repeated this stance in multiple public engagements.

The statement also recalled that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) earlier dismissed similar allegations by El-Rufai as baseless and contrary to national security protocols. ONSA has maintained that neither the Federal Government nor state governments pay ransoms to criminal elements.

Highlighting its approach to security, the Kaduna State Government said it is pursuing a community-driven strategy built on reinforced military operations, engagement with legitimate community leaders, and improved access to social services and economic opportunities.

“The State engages communities, not bandits,” the statement emphasised.

Shu’aibu noted that groups such as the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, who endured severe insecurity during El-Rufai’s tenure, have publicly dismissed his claims as untrue and misleading.

He further pointed out that “senior members of El-Rufai’s own administration previously accused him of using public funds to appease certain groups,” describing this as a contradiction that makes his current allegation even more questionable.

Since taking office, the current administration said it has focused on stabilising vulnerable communities, reopening schools and markets, restoring access to farmlands, and rebuilding trust among divided groups.

The government urged former officials to exercise restraint and support ongoing peace efforts instead of spreading claims that could heighten tensions.

It challenged El-Rufai to produce “credible evidence such as bank statements, internal memos, or security documents” if he insists on his allegation. It noted that similar claims he made in September 2025 were never backed by proof.

The Kaduna State Government has demanded that El-Rufai withdraw his statement and issue an unconditional apology within one week. Failure to do so, it warned, will result in legal action to protect public order and institutional integrity.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and responsible security management, the government said it will not be distracted by “politics of bitterness, fearmongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.”