The former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that his political adversaries are scheming to arrest, detain, and torture him in the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
Despite these threats, El-Rufai has vowed not to be intimidated. “I have received credible information that there is a plan to arrest Mallam Nasir El-Rufai upon his return to Nigeria, based on yet another fabricated allegation, as has become the norm,” he stated.
He expressed confidence in his imminent return to Nigeria, asserting that he has nothing to conceal and fears no one. El-Rufai further revealed that his friends, family, and political associates have been subjected to similar threats.
He believes his opponents aim to force him into self-imposed exile, a prospect he refuses to entertain. He has decided to pause all academic pursuits and dedicate more time to confronting his adversaries within Nigeria.
“I have been hearing these persistent rumours of arrest, detention, and torture in the NSA’s office—where Emefiele was reportedly coerced into resigning as CBN governor—since July 2024, when the fabricated report from the Kaduna Assembly began to circulate,” he noted.
“They panicked when we questioned the legality of their premeditated defamation and have since attempted to manipulate the judicial process, which is still ongoing in the Court of Appeal. Similar messages of intimidation and threats have been sent to many of my friends, family, and political associates because they wish to see me go into exile. I will not comply.
“I have now halted all my academic and language-learning plans to spend more time in Nigeria. Silence is no longer an option, and inaction has never been a solution.”
El-Rufai reflected on the historical context of political repression, stating, “The arrest, detention, and torture of perceived political adversaries are not new in human affairs. I have been arrested and detained three times in the past for voicing my opinions against previous governments.”
He added, “There is always life after arrest, detention, or torture, and political life continues. As for death, it will come when Allah decrees it, and every human must face that date.”
In a message directed at those uneasy about his presence in Nigeria, he declared, “I intend to return in time for the launch of President IBB’s memoirs, scheduled for 20th February, in sha Allah. We rely solely on Allah and fear no one but Him. We always hope for the best but prepare for the worst.”
El-Rufai’s relationship with the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, has become contentious following claims made by Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad, a former Commissioner at the Police Service Commission (PSC), in a viral TikTok video. She alleged that Ribadu had previously described President Bola Tinubu as corrupt during his tenure as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
In response, Ribadu’s legal representative, Dr Ahmed Raji, SAN, stated that Ribadu has never held such views publicly or privately and claimed that the damage caused by the TikTok video was substantial.
However, Muhammad has maintained her stance, asserting she has no reason to apologise since the records are available. In a post on his X account, El-Rufai defended Muhammad, mocking Ribadu by suggesting, “Nuhu must have serious amnesia.”
He elaborated, “Nuhu appears to be suffering from profound amnesia. The Senate proceedings confirm that he made those statements in 2006. A Daily Trust report from February 2007 further corroborates this. The Federal Executive Council conclusions from 2006, which can be obtained from the Cabinet Secretariat of the SGF’s office, contain these allegations. During that special FEC meeting I attended, Nuhu’s EFCC made similar accusations against several officials in 2006. These records dispel any doubts.”
“This is to ensure that the morally flexible are reminded that silence is no longer an option in our national discourse,” El-Rufai concluded.
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