Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused the present Kaduna State administration of paying ₦1 billion to bandits, claiming that top government officials have been secretly negotiating and apologizing to criminal groups terrorizing the state.
El-Rufai made the explosive allegation during a public address, insisting that he and his team possess evidence and proof to back the claim. He challenged the current governor and any member of the state government to publicly deny the allegation if it is untrue.
“They are paying bandits. They apologized to bandits. If the governor or anyone in government disagrees, let them come out to deny it. We have the evidence and proof,” El-Rufai stated.
The accusation has sparked major political tension, raising questions about the state’s security strategy and the alleged use of public funds in negotiations with armed groups.
Security analysts say the claim—if proven true—could deepen public distrust and complicate ongoing efforts to combat banditry in Northern Nigeria.
The Kaduna State Government has yet to issue an official response as the controversy continues to gain traction online and across political circles.