El-Rufai Alleges Smear Campaign, Threatens Legal Action Over Witness Report
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has issued a public alert accusing unnamed actors of orchestrating a campaign to damage his reputation and prolong his detention amid ongoing corruption trials.
In a press statement signed by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai described recent events surrounding his arrest and prosecution as part of a “malicious” effort against him. He cited an incident on 12 February 2026, when authorities allegedly attempted to arrest him upon arrival at Abuja Airport from Cairo, as an early sign of what he called “more troubling developments.”
El-Rufai further disclosed that he honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 16 February, after which he was detained and later transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on 18 February. He remains in detention and is currently facing charges in two separate high courts.
The statement also took issue with a report published on 18 April 2026 by The Nation, titled “El-Rufai’s trial: Gunmen invade principal witness home.” According to the report, a prosecution witness, Mohammed Umar Karage, alleged that armed individuals invaded his residence and linked the incident to his role in the ongoing case.
Karage reportedly suggested the attack might be an attempt to silence him, drawing comparisons to the disappearance of Kaduna-based activist Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
However, El-Rufai’s camp strongly rejected these claims, accusing the newspaper of publishing “false imputations” and using innuendo to suggest his involvement. The statement argued that such allegations were intended to tarnish his image, undermine his bail application at the Kaduna State High Court, and implicate him in serious offences.
“El-Rufai has no connection whatsoever to the incidents described,” the statement said, adding that his legal team has been instructed to initiate defamation proceedings against the publication.
The former governor also decried what he described as a sustained campaign of vilification since 2023, emphasizing his record of public service and calling for adherence to the rule of law.
He urged authorities to respect his fundamental rights and ensure due process, warning against the use of legal mechanisms as tools of oppression.
