Kaduna State Demands Evidence from El-Rufai on Alleged Bandit Payment Claim

The Kaduna State Government has given former governor Nasir El-Rufai a one-week ultimatum to provide evidence supporting his claim that Governor Uba Sani’s administration paid ₦1 billion to bandits.

The state dismissed the allegation as “false and politically motivated,” insisting that El-Rufai must either produce proof or issue a public apology, failing which legal action will be taken against him.

El-Rufai had made the accusation during a recent Channels Television interview, alleging that the current administration paid criminal groups as part of security arrangements. However, in a statement released on Sunday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), condemned the claim as “reckless, baseless, and deliberately misleading.”

The government accused the former governor of exploiting a sensitive security matter for political purposes, describing such behaviour as unbecoming of someone who previously held the state’s highest office. It stressed that Governor Uba Sani has never approved or made any payments to criminal elements, declaring, “Not one naira. Not one kobo.”

The statement also recalled that the Office of the National Security Adviser had earlier dismissed similar allegations by El-Rufai as unfounded, maintaining that neither the Federal Government nor state governments pay ransoms to criminals.

Kaduna’s current administration highlighted its security approach, which focuses on community engagement, enhanced military operations, and expanding access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. “The state engages communities, not bandits,” it stated.

Grassroots groups, including the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance — which faced severe insecurity during El-Rufai’s tenure — have also rejected the former governor’s claims.

The government further pointed to previous allegations made by some of El-Rufai’s own former aides accusing him of using state funds to appease groups, calling his current accusations “deeply paradoxical.”

Since taking office, the administration said Governor Sani has prioritised reopening schools, markets, and farms in vulnerable areas, while rebuilding trust among communities. It urged former officials to support ongoing peace efforts rather than fuel political tension.

The government challenged El-Rufai to present credible evidence such as bank records, internal documents, or security reports, noting that similar claims he made in September 2025 were unsupported.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparent and responsible security management, the state government said it will not be distracted by “politics of bitterness, fear-mongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.”