Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has alleged that there is a fresh attempt to implicate him in criminal activity, claiming that certain individuals are coordinating efforts to damage his reputation and prolong his legal troubles.
In a statement issued through his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai said recent events suggest what he described as a deliberate campaign aimed at tarnishing his image.
He alleged that on February 12, 2026, he was marked for arrest upon arriving at the Abuja airport from Cairo. He further stated that he later honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, after which he was detained.
According to him, he was subsequently moved to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on February 18.
El-Rufai also referenced a recent report involving an alleged attack on the residence of a key witness in an ongoing trial at the Kaduna State High Court. The report suggested the incident may be linked to the witness’s role in the case and could be an attempt to silence him.
However, El-Rufai’s camp rejected any connection to the incident, describing the claims as false and harmful to his reputation. They argued that the allegations were designed to influence public perception and affect his ongoing bail application.
He maintained his innocence, insisting he has no involvement in the alleged attack and describing himself as a law-abiding citizen. His legal team, according to the statement, has been directed to initiate defamation proceedings against the publication responsible for the report.
The statement also alleged that the former governor has faced sustained public attacks and negative narratives since 2023, calling for respect for due process and protection of his rights under the law.
