The Kaduna State Government has dismissed as false and politically driven the claim by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai that the administration of Governor Uba Sani paid ₦1 billion to bandits.
In a statement, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Hon. (Dr.) Sule Shu’aibu, SAN, described the allegation made on Channels TV as “a fabrication without context, substance, or credibility.”
“Governor Uba Sani has never authorised, negotiated, or paid any money to criminal groups. Not one naira. Not one kobo,” the statement said.
The government accused El-Rufai of weaponising a sensitive security issue for political theatrics, saying his conduct falls short of what is expected from a former governor.
The statement recalled that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had previously dismissed similar claims as baseless and inconsistent with national security protocols.
Kaduna insisted that its strategy remains community engagement, stronger military operations, and improved access to education, healthcare, and livelihoods, not negotiations with bandits.
The government noted the irony of El-Rufai raising such claims given earlier accusations by officials from his own administration alleging he engaged in payments to certain groups.
The government challenged him to produce bank records, memos, or security documents to support his claim. It noted that similar allegations he made in September 2025 were never backed by evidence.
Kaduna has given El-Rufai one week to retract the statement and tender a public apology or face legal action.
