Nasir El-Rufai demands ₦10bn and apology from Defence Minister

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has demanded ₦10 billion in compensation and a public apology from Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, following alleged defamatory remarks. The dispute stems from a September 3 television interview in which Musa accused El-Rufai of deliberately planning killings in Southern Kaduna, paying ransoms to bandits, and using government power to victimize opponents through property demolitions.

El-Rufai’s legal team has issued a seven-day ultimatum for a retraction and apology, warning of potential litigation if the demands are not met. The former governor’s family has also demanded that the Minister provide evidence to substantiate his claims regarding the security situation during El-Rufai’s 2015–2023 tenure.

The controversy has drawn significant institutional reactions. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) expressed concern over El-Rufai’s continued detention, alleging that religious bias and external interests may be influencing the legal proceedings. Conversely, the Middle Belt Forum has expressed solidarity with Minister Musa, calling for the prosecution of El-Rufai for alleged crimes against humanity.