The Kaduna State Police Command has strongly denied allegations made by former Governor Nasir el-Rufai, who claimed that a “kidnapping gang” within the police force abducted Jafaru Sani, a former commissioner under his administration.
El-Rufai made the explosive allegation on Thursday via his X handle, stating that Sani had been arrested by a group he linked to Governor Uba Sani and subsequently remanded in prison without formal charges from the state’s Ministry of Justice.
However, the Kaduna police, in a statement on Friday, dismissed the claim as baseless and warned the former governor against making what they described as “frivolous and malicious allegations” against security agencies.
Mansir Hassan, the spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, confirmed that the former commissioner had indeed been arrested but rejected el-Rufai’s characterization of the police as a “kidnapping gang.”
“To put the records straight, there is no kidnapping gang within the Nigerian Police Force,” Hassan stated. “The Nigerian police, as an institution created by the 1999 Constitution, has a mandate to maintain law and order.”
He emphasized that the police have the legal authority to investigate individuals suspected of committing offences.
“Individuals, corporate organizations, and governments have the right to lodge formal complaints, and the police are mandated to investigate such matters. When an offence is believed to have been committed, the case is either prosecuted or referred to court,” he said.
El-Rufai’s claim has sparked political tensions in Kaduna, as it suggests a deepening rift between him and his successor, Governor Uba Sani. The former governor’s assertion that his ex-commissioner was detained without due process has raised concerns among his supporters, while the police maintain that due procedure was followed.
While neither el-Rufai nor Governor Uba Sani has publicly elaborated on the underlying reasons for Jafaru Sani’s arrest, the development has added to speculation about political maneuvering within the state.
In its response, the Kaduna police urged public figures, especially those who have held positions of authority, to verify information before making public accusations.
“We urge individuals to exercise caution and desist from making unverified allegations against security agencies,” Hassan said.