The Kaduna State Government has dismissed as false and politically driven the claim 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 a Channels Television interview, but the government described it as baseless and intended to undermine the state’s ongoing security progress.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Hon. (Dr.) Sule Shu’aibu, SAN, said the claim was ‘a fabrication devoid of context, substance, or credibility,’ accusing the former governor of attempting to mislead the public.
The government criticised El-Rufai for ‘recklessly weaponising sensitive security matters for political grandstanding,’ saying such conduct is unbecoming of a former leader.
Shu’aibu stressed that Governor Uba Sani has never authorised, negotiated, or paid ransom to any criminal group.
‘Not one naira. Not one kobo,’ he stated, noting that the Governor has repeatedly clarified this in media engagements and stakeholder meetings.
The statement referenced the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which had previously dismissed similar claims by El-Rufai as unfounded and inconsistent with national security protocols. ONSA has maintained that neither the Federal Government nor state governments pay ransom to criminal elements.
Outlining its security strategy, the government said it is pursuing a community-focused model anchored on enhanced military operations, collaboration with legitimate community leaders, and improved access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
‘The State engages communities, not bandits,’ the statement emphasised.
Grassroots organisations, including the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, also rejected El-Rufai’s claim, describing it as misleading and untrue. The group faced some of the state’s toughest security challenges during his tenure.
The government further pointed to past allegations raised by senior members of El-Rufai’s own administration suggesting he used public funds to appease certain groups, calling his current accusations ‘deeply paradoxical.’
Since assuming office, Governor Sani has focused on stabilising affected communities, reopening schools, markets, and farmlands, and rebuilding trust across ethnic and religious divides.
The statement challenged El-Rufai to present credible evidence-such as bank records, memos, or security correspondence-if he has any. It added that a similar allegation he made in September 2025 ‘collapsed under scrutiny’ after no proof was provided.
The government demanded that El-Rufai withdraw the claim and issue an unreserved public apology within one week, warning that failure to do so may compel the State to pursue legal action ‘to safeguard public order and institutional integrity.’
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and responsible security management, the Kaduna State Government said it will not be distracted by ‘politics of bitterness, fearmongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.’