El-Rufai Raises Fresh Alarm Over Alleged Plot to Implicate Him in Criminal Activities

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has alleged a new attempt to implicate him in criminal activity, describing it as part of a broader effort to damage his reputation and prolong his detention.

In a statement released Sunday by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai pointed to what he called “malicious orchestrations,” citing recent events as evidence of a sustained campaign against him.

He referenced an incident on February 12, 2026, when he claimed he was marked for arrest upon arriving at Abuja airport from Cairo. Days later, on February 16, he honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), after which he was detained and subsequently transferred on February 18 to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The latest development stems from an April 18 report by The Nation, which detailed claims by a witness, Mohammed Umar Karage, in an ongoing case at the Kaduna State High Court. The witness alleged that armed men invaded his residence, suggesting the attack could be linked to his role in the trial.

The report also referenced the disappearance of Kaduna-based activist Abubakar Idris Dadiyata, drawing comparisons that El-Rufai’s camp strongly rejected.

According to the statement, the publication went beyond reporting the incident and included insinuations linking El-Rufai to the alleged attack. His camp described the report as an attempt to influence public perception, weaken his bail application, and associate him with serious criminal allegations.

El-Rufai denied any involvement, maintaining that he is a law-abiding citizen. He disclosed that his legal team has been instructed to pursue defamation action against the newspaper.

The statement further alleged that since 2023, the former governor has faced a consistent pattern of what it described as vilification and unfounded accusations. It warned against the misuse of legal institutions and called for adherence to due process.

“El-Rufai should be accorded full legal rights like any other citizen,” the statement said, urging authorities to ensure that the rule of law is upheld.