The Kaduna State Government has rejected former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s allegation that the administration of Governor Uba Sani paid ₦1bn to bandits, describing the claim as untrue and driven by political motives.
In a firm statement released on Sunday, the government issued El-Rufai a seven-day deadline to either produce proof to support his allegation or withdraw it publicly. It warned that failure to do so would leave the state with no choice but to pursue legal action.
The controversy began after El-Rufai claimed during a Channels Television interview that the current government made a ₦1bn payment to bandits as part of security dealings.
Responding, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), dismissed the allegation as “reckless, unfounded, and intentionally deceptive.”
The state government accused the former governor of exploiting a sensitive security matter for political advantage, noting that such conduct is unbecoming of someone who once led the state.
The statement insisted that Governor Sani has never paid, negotiated with, or authorised any financial dealings with criminal groups. Shu’aibu emphasized that the governor has repeatedly stated this in various engagements, saying: “Not one naira. Not one kobo.”
The government also recalled that the Office of the National Security Adviser had earlier debunked similar claims by El-Rufai, affirming that neither the Federal Government nor state governments make ransom payments to criminals, as such practices contradict national security protocols.
Outlining its own security approach, the Kaduna State Government explained that its strategy focuses on strengthening military operations, collaborating with credible community leaders, and expanding access to education, health services, and economic support. “The state partners with communities, not bandits,” the statement said.
Local groups, including the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance—who experienced severe insecurity during El-Rufai’s tenure—have also dismissed his allegations as inaccurate.
The government further referenced accusations previously made by senior members of El-Rufai’s administration, claiming the former governor himself used public resources to placate certain groups. This, it said, made his new claims “highly contradictory.”
Since taking office, Governor Sani has focused on stabilising conflict-prone areas, reopening schools and markets, restoring access to farmlands, and rebuilding community trust. The government urged former officeholders to exercise caution and support ongoing peace efforts.
Challenging El-Rufai to present credible evidence—such as financial documents, official correspondence, or security records—the state pointed out that similar allegations he made earlier in September 2025 were never backed with proof.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and responsible security management, the Kaduna State Government said it remains focused on maintaining peace and will not be sidetracked by “politics of bitterness, fear-mongering, or deliberate misinformation.
