The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a stern warning to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent claims that a “kidnapping gang” operating within the police was responsible for the arrest of his former commissioner, Malam Jafaru Sani.
El-Rufai had made the allegation in a post on his verified X handle, accusing the Kaduna State Police Command of unlawful detention.
In response, the Kaduna Police Command dismissed the claim, insisting that the force acted within its constitutional authority to arrest and investigate any individual suspected of committing an offense.
A statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, clarified:
“The attention of the Kaduna State Police Command has been drawn to a statement credited to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai on his X handle, alleging that his ex-commissioner, Malam Jafaru Sani, was abducted by what he called ‘Uba Sani’s kidnapping gang,’ which he claimed to be the police.
“To set the record straight, there is no kidnapping gang within the Nigerian Police Force. The police, as an institution created by the 1999 Constitution, are mandated to maintain law and order.
“In executing this constitutional duty, the police have the legal, legitimate, and constitutional right to arrest and investigate anyone alleged or suspected to have committed an offense.”**
The police urged public figures to exercise caution in their remarks, warning against unverified allegations that could undermine law enforcement efforts.
Minister Accuses El-Rufai of Political Theatrics
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Ata, accused El-Rufai of engaging in political theatrics to distract from his failure to secure a ministerial appointment in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Ata claimed El-Rufai was disqualified from holding a ministerial position due to his inability to pass security screening, describing his recent defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as “the last gasps of a sinking politician.”
“El-Rufai’s outbursts stem from personal disappointment over his failure to secure a ministerial role in the Tinubu administration. Feeling entitled to the position, he could not pass the necessary security clearance, leading to his rejection by the Senate.
“Since then, he has acted like a man scorned, unleashing unfounded criticisms and engaging in political brinkmanship.”
The minister further accused El-Rufai of presiding over an era of insecurity in Kaduna, where ethnic and sectarian violence escalated under his leadership.
Despite the criticisms, El-Rufai reaffirmed his commitment to repositioning the SDP, vowing to use his influence to grow the party.
During a visit to the SDP national headquarters in Abuja, the former governor emphasized his disillusionment with the APC, stating:
**“Many of my followers had moved to the SDP before me. I believe the APC is no longer what we envisioned it to be. I need a new political platform where I can continue my activities and contribute to national development.
“I am ready to join forces with other opposition parties to move the nation forward and will abide by the party’s rules.”**
SDP Raises Alarm Over Alleged Political Persecution
The SDP has, however, expressed concerns over what it called a government-backed attempt to suppress the party and intimidate defectors.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, the party alleged that the APC was plotting to fabricate criminal charges against its members, starting with El-Rufai.
“The SDP has received credible intelligence indicating that the APC is unsettled by the growing momentum of our party. In response, it is leveraging state power to fabricate criminal allegations against our members.
“Our sources reveal that the persecution will commence with one of our prominent leaders, Malam Nasir El-Rufai. We have also learned that the federal government has instructed agencies to prevent him from leaving the country.”
As tensions escalate, all eyes remain on the political maneuvering between the APC, SDP, and El-Rufai, as the former governor navigates his new political path amid mounting challenges.
