You Have 7 Days to Prove ₦1bn Payment to Bandits Claim, Kaduna Govt Tells El-rufai

The Kaduna State Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to former governor Nasir El-Rufai to substantiate his explosive claim that the current administration paid ₦1 billion to bandits—or face legal action

El-Rufai, in a recent television appearance, alleged that the state government under Governor Uba Sani authorised a ₦1bn payment to armed groups. The former governor, who ruled Kaduna from 2015 to 2023, insisted he has evidence to prove the alleged transaction. His statement sparked nationwide debate, drawing reactions from security experts, political actors and the state government But in a swift and strongly worded response on Sunday, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), dismissed the claim as “reckless, baseless and dangerous.” The commissioner said El-Rufai must provide evidence within one week or publicly withdraw his remarks, warning that the government will “not hesitate to pursue all legal remedies” should he fail to comply According to the commissioner, the allegation undermines ongoing security efforts, encourages misinformation, and risks inflaming tensions in a state that has battled persistent attacks, mass abductions and communal violence for years. He stressed that the administration has never paid ransom or authorised any financial dealings with criminal groups El-Rufai’s claim has divided public opinion. Supporters argue that he is drawing attention to alleged mismanagement of security funds, while critics accuse him of attempting to discredit his successor amid strained political relations. Some stakeholders warn that making such allegations without concrete proof could endanger security operations and erode public trust The controversy adds a new layer of tension to Kaduna’s political landscape, already marked by disagreements between the current and former administrations over debt, security strategy, and governance direction As the one-week deadline begins to count down, residents and political observers are watching closely to see whether El-Rufai will release evidence, retract his statement, or allow the matter to escalate into a full-blown legal battle.