By Amina Anebi,Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has denied allegations by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai that the administration of Governor Uba Sani paid ₦1 billion to bandits.
In a statement on Sunday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Sule Shu’aibu, described the former governor’s claim as false, politically motivated, and lacking any evidence.
He said El-Rufai’s remarks—made during an interview on Channels Television—were “a fabrication devoid of context, substance, or credibility,” accusing him of attempting to mislead the public and undermine efforts to restore peace in the state.
The commissioner criticised the former governor for “recklessly weaponising a sensitive security issue for political grandstanding,” adding that such conduct did not reflect the standard expected of someone who once led the state.
According to him, Governor Uba Sani has never authorised or paid any money to criminal groups.
“Not one naira. Not one kobo,” he stressed, noting that the governor had consistently made this position clear in public engagements.
Shu’aibu recalled that the Office of the National Security Adviser had previously dismissed similar claims by El-Rufai as baseless and inconsistent with national security practices. He said neither the Federal Government nor state governments pay ransom to criminal elements.
The statement outlined the state’s security strategy, which is focused on stronger military operations, deeper community engagement, and improved access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. “The State engages communities, not bandits,” it said.
It noted that groups such as the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance had also rejected El-Rufai’s claims, describing them as misleading.
The government argued that past allegations made by some senior officials in El-Rufai’s own administration, accusing him of using public funds to appease certain groups, made his current comments “deeply paradoxical.”
Since assuming office, the statement said, Governor Sani has prioritised stabilising vulnerable communities, reopening schools and farmlands, and rebuilding trust among residents.
The government challenged El-Rufai to present proof—such as bank records or security documents—if he had any, noting that similar allegations he made in September 2025 were not backed by evidence.
It demanded that the former governor retract his comments and issue an apology within one week, warning that failure to do so could lead to legal action to protect public order.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and responsible security management, saying it would not be distracted by “the politics of bitterness, fearmongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.”
