Did Kaduna state pay bandits N1 billion? Governor Uba Sani sends message to El-Rufai

The Kaduna State Government has given former governor Nasir El-Rufai a one-week ultimatum to substantiate his claim that the current administration under Governor Uba Sani paid N1 billion to bandits, warning that failure to provide evidence could trigger legal action.

In a statement released on Sunday, the state dismissed El-Rufai’s allegation as “false and politically motivated,” describing it as an attempt to exploit security challenges for political gain. The government said the former governor must either present proof of his claims or issue a public apology.

El-Rufai, in a recent interview on Channels Television, alleged that the Kaduna State Government had made payments to criminal groups as part of security arrangements. Responding to this, Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, described the accusation as “reckless, baseless, and deliberately misleading.”

The commissioner emphasised that Governor Uba Sani has never authorised, negotiated, or facilitated any ransom payments to bandits. “Not one naira. Not one kobo,” he stressed. The statement also noted that similar claims by El-Rufai had previously been dismissed by the Office of the National Security Adviser, which confirmed that neither federal nor state governments engage in ransom payments to criminal groups.

The Kaduna administration criticised El-Rufai for what it described as “weaponising a sensitive security issue for political grandstanding,” a practice it said falls below the standards expected of a former governor.

Security Strategy Under Governor Sani

The state reiterated that its approach to security focuses on community engagement rather than payments to criminal elements. Measures include strengthened military operations, collaboration with legitimate community leaders, and initiatives to improve access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

Grassroots groups, such as the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, which endured serious security challenges during El-Rufai’s tenure, have publicly rejected the former governor’s claims as misleading.

The government further highlighted contradictions in El-Rufai’s statements, referencing previous allegations from his administration that he used public funds to appease certain groups, calling his current accusations “deeply paradoxical.”

Since taking office, Governor Sani’s administration has focused on stabilising vulnerable communities, reopening schools, markets, and farmlands, and rebuilding trust among previously fractured groups, according to the statement.

The government challenged El-Rufai to present credible evidence to back his claims, such as bank statements, internal communications, or security documents, noting that similar allegations made in September 2025 were unsupported by proof.

The Kaduna State Government reaffirmed its commitment to transparent and responsible governance, vowing not to be distracted by “politics of bitterness, fear-mongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.”

FAQ

Q1: What claim did Nasir El-Rufai make about Kaduna State?
A: El-Rufai alleged that Governor Uba Sani’s administration paid N1 billion to bandits as part of security arrangements.

Q2: How has the Kaduna State Government responded?
A: The government dismissed the claim as false, gave El-Rufai one week to provide evidence or apologize publicly, and warned of potential legal action.

Q3: Has the Office of the National Security Adviser commented on such claims?
A: Yes, previous claims of this nature by El-Rufai were dismissed as inconsistent with national security practices.

Q4: What security strategies is Governor Uba Sani’s administration implementing?
A: The administration focuses on military operations, community engagement, improving access to education and healthcare, and supporting economic opportunities in vulnerable areas.

Q5: What evidence is El-Rufai being asked to provide?
A: The government requested credible evidence such as bank records, internal memos, or official security documents.