The family of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has issued a formal ultimatum to Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), demanding a public retraction of allegations that El-Rufai orchestrated killings in Southern Kaduna during his time as governor. The family set a seven-day deadline for the minister to either provide evidence or apologise, warning of legal action if he fails to comply.
Allegations Made on Live Television
The controversy began on September 3, 2026, when General Musa appeared on Channels Television's Politics Today programme. During the broadcast, the minister told viewers that El-Rufai "actively planned killings in Southern Kaduna" while serving as governor. The family said it noted "with serious concern" these remarks, which were made without any supporting evidence being presented.
The statement was issued via Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai's X handle @B_ELRUFAI on Monday, September 7, 2026. It accused the minister of making a grave allegation without substantiation, adding that such a claim carries a responsibility to provide credible proof.
Family Demands Proof or Apology
The El-Rufai family acknowledged that General Musa is entitled to his personal opinions but argued that an allegation of this severity requires evidence. In the absence of proof, they called on the minister to retract the statement publicly, specifically through the same television platform where the remarks were made.
The family set a deadline of seven days from the date of the statement for General Musa to either produce evidence backing his claim or issue a full public apology. "Failure to do so will leave the family with no option but to pursue all appropriate legal remedies available under the law in response to these unsubstantiated allegations," the statement read.
Background on El-Rufai and Southern Kaduna
Nasir El-Rufai served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory before becoming Governor of Kaduna State. He later became opposition leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The Southern Kaduna region has for years been at the centre of violent conflicts between farming and herding communities, and successive administrations have faced scrutiny over their handling of the crisis.
The family's ultimatum now puts pressure on the Defence Minister to respond within the seven-day window. If no retraction or evidence is forthcoming, the matter could move to the courts, potentially escalating a political dispute that has drawn national attention.
