The Kaduna State Government has rejected former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai’s claim that Governor Uba Sani’s administration paid ₦1 billion to bandits, describing the allegation as false and politically motivated.
El-Rufai made the statement during a Channels Television interview, but the government called it baseless and deliberately misleading.
In a statement, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Hon. (Dr.) Sule Shu’aibu, SAN, described the former governor’s remarks as “fabricated, lacking context, substance, or credibility” and accused him of attempting to undermine security gains in vulnerable communities.
Shu’aibu added that El-Rufai was “recklessly politicising a sensitive security matter,” falling short of the responsibility expected from someone who once governed the state. He stressed that Governor Uba Sani has never authorised or made any payments to criminal groups, noting, “Not one naira. Not one kobo.”
The commissioner recalled that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had previously dismissed similar allegations, confirming that ransom payments to criminal elements are not part of Nigeria’s security practices at the federal or state level.
Highlighting the state’s security approach, the statement emphasized military operations, engagement with legitimate community leaders, and the expansion of education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. “The State engages communities, not bandits,” it added.
Shu’aibu noted that community groups, including the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, publicly refuted El-Rufai’s latest claim as misleading. The government also pointed out the irony of past accusations from El-Rufai’s administration alleging that public funds were used to appease certain groups.
The Kaduna State Government challenged the former governor to provide credible evidence, such as bank records or official documents, reminding that his similar claims in September 2025 were never substantiated.
Finally, the government demanded that El-Rufai retract his statement and issue a public apology within one week or face legal action “to safeguard public order and institutional integrity.”
Kaduna State reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and stated it would not be distracted by “politics of bitterness, fearmongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.”
