Former Governor Seeks ₦10bn Damages, Retraction Over Kaduna Killings Allegation
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has threatened legal action against Defence Minister Christopher Musa over allegations linking him to killings and banditry in Southern Kaduna.
El-Rufai’s lawyers issued a letter before action dated September 7, demanding ₦10 billion in damages and a public apology over statements made by Musa during a television appearance on September 3. The former governor’s legal team said the allegations had caused serious damage to his reputation and demanded that the minister substantiate them.
The lawyers also rejected claims that El-Rufai financed bandits or was involved in planning killings, maintaining that no court had established such allegations against their client. They further defended demolitions carried out during his administration as lawful actions undertaken for public purposes.
Beyond financial compensation, El-Rufai is seeking an unconditional retraction and apology on the same television programme where the allegations were made. His lawyers also want the apology published in two national newspapers, one with significant circulation in northern Nigeria and another in the south.
El-Rufai’s camp has challenged Musa to provide evidence for the allegations, setting the stage for a possible legal battle if the demands are not met.
