In response to allegations from former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Kaduna State has dismissed claims that Governor Uba Sani authorised payments to bandits.
The government described El-Rufai’s comments during a televised interview as “false, politically motivated, and entirely lacking in evidence”.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), Kaduna State said the allegations were “a fabrication devoid of context, substance, or credibility”, accusing the former governor of attempting to mislead the public and undermine progress in restoring peace and stability across the state.
Shu’aibu further criticised El-Rufai 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.
The statement reiterated: “Governor Uba Sani has never authorised, negotiated, or paid any money to criminal groups”.
Shu’aibu noted that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) previously dismissed similar claims as unfounded, affirming that neither the Federal Government nor state governments engage in ransom payments to criminal elements. The Commissioner also criticised El-Rufai for “recklessly weaponising a sensitive security issue for political grandstanding” and highlighted that grassroots groups, including the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, have publicly refuted his claims as misleading.
The statement pointed out the paradox in El-Rufai’s allegations, referencing past accusations from his own administration alleging the use of public funds to appease certain groups. Shu’aibu added that since taking office, Governor Sani has prioritised stabilising vulnerable communities, reopening schools, markets, and farmlands, and rebuilding trust among previously fractured groups.
The Kaduna State govt urged former officials to show restraint, support ongoing peace efforts, and challenged El-Rufai to provide credible evidence such as bank records, internal memos, or security documents.
The government demanded he retract his statement and issue an unreserved apology within one week, warning that failure to do so could prompt legal action to safeguard public order and institutional integrity.
About the Author
