Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised fresh concerns over what he describes as a coordinated attempt to implicate him in criminal activities, alleging that powerful interests are working to damage his reputation and prolong his legal troubles.
In a statement issued on Sunday through his Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, the former governor warned of what he termed “malicious orchestrations” targeted at him, saying recent developments point to a sustained campaign against his person.
El-Rufai recalled an incident earlier in the year, on February 12, 2026, when he alleged he was nearly arrested upon arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after returning from Cairo, describing it as part of a wider pattern of pressure.
He further stated that he honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, after which he was reportedly detained and later transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on February 18.
The latest controversy stems from a publication reported on April 18 by The Nation, which detailed claims by a witness, Mohammed Umar Karage, alleging that armed men invaded his residence in connection with an ongoing case at the Kaduna State High Court.
Karage was quoted as suggesting that the incident could be linked to his role in the trial, with comparisons drawn to the unresolved disappearance of activist Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.
However, El-Rufai’s camp strongly rejected any implication tying him to the incident, describing the publication as misleading and defamatory.
The statement argued that the report was designed to tarnish his image, influence public perception, and undermine his ongoing legal processes.
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“Any objective reader would recognise the clear intent behind these statements: to damage his reputation and justify his continued detention,” the statement said.
The former governor maintained his innocence, insisting he has no involvement in the alleged attack or related events, and confirmed that his legal team has been instructed to pursue defamation action against the newspaper.
He also alleged that since leaving office in 2023, he has been subjected to sustained political attacks, including what he described as “innuendos and vilification,” despite his record in public service.
The statement further urged authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure that due process is respected, stressing that legal mechanisms should not be used as tools of persecution.
“El-Rufai should be accorded full due process guaranteed by law to every citizen, and the persistent disregard for his rights must cease immediately,” the statement added.