The Kaduna State Government has strongly denied claims by former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai that the administration of Governor Uba Sani paid ₦1 billion to bandits.
El-Rufai made the allegation during an interview on Channels Television, sparking public debate and political reactions across the state.
But in a statement on Sunday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), dismissed the former governor’s comments as “false, politically motivated, and entirely lacking evidence.”
Shu’aibu said the allegation was “a fabrication devoid of context, substance, or credibility,” accusing El-Rufai of attempting to mislead the public and undermine the current administration’s security efforts.
He criticised the former governor for “recklessly weaponising a sensitive security issue for political grandstanding,” insisting that such conduct falls far below the standard expected of a former state leader.
According to the statement, Governor Uba Sani has never authorised, negotiated, or made any financial payment to criminal elements.
Shu’aibu noted that the governor has repeatedly emphasised this position in several forums, stressing, “not one naira, not one kobo.”
The government also referenced past clarifications issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which dismissed similar claims by El-Rufai as unfounded and inconsistent with Nigeria’s security protocols.
“ONSA had affirmed that neither the Federal Government nor state governments engage in ransom payments to criminal elements,” the statement said.
Highlighting its own security strategy, the Kaduna State Government said the Sani administration is pursuing a community-focused approach built on strengthened military deployments, engagement with legitimate traditional structures, and expanded access to education, healthcare, and economic support.
“The State engages communities, not bandits,” the statement noted.
Shu’aibu added that grassroots organisations in areas previously affected by insecurity especially the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance have publicly rejected El-Rufai’s allegations, calling them misleading and untrue.
The government also referenced “past accusations made by senior members of El-Rufai’s own administration alleging that he used public funds to appease certain groups,” describing the former governor’s latest allegation as “deeply paradoxical.”
Since assuming office, Governor Sani, according to the statement, has focused on stabilising vulnerable communities, reopening previously shut schools and markets, and rebuilding trust among fractured groups.
The Kaduna State Government urged former officials to exercise restraint and support ongoing peace-building efforts rather than “fuel tension through unfounded claims.”
It challenged El-Rufai to present credible proof—such as bank records, memos, or security documents if any exists.
It also reminded the public that similar allegations made by the former governor in September 2025 were never backed by evidence.
The government has demanded that El-Rufai retract his statement and offer an unreserved apology within one week, warning that failure to do so will lead to legal action to “safeguard public order and institutional integrity.”
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and responsible security governance, the Kaduna State Government said it will not be distracted by “the politics of bitterness, fearmongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.”