Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has demanded N10 billion in compensation from the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), over alleged defamatory statements made during a Channels Television programme.

But the Coalition of Northern Elders for Peace and Development (CNEEPD) threw its weight behind the minister over his recent criticism of el-Rufai, insisting that the minister merely presented what it described as the “true picture” of the former governor’s administration.

Also, the Kaduna State Muslim-Christian Network for Good Governance backed the minister over his recent comments on el-Rufai.

el-Rufai’s demand was contained in a letter dated September 7, 2026, issued by his lawyers, the Chambers of Ubong Akpan, and addressed to Musa at the Federal Ministry of Defence in Abuja.

The letter was posted on Facebook by his son, Bello el-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives.

The legal action followed Musa’s appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on September 3, 2026, where he spoke about insecurity in Kaduna State and accused the former governor.

Musa was quoted in the letter as saying: “We can never be happy with somebody who has deliberately planned for the killing of our people. He told us he paid bandits. The next thing he sends a bulldozer to bring your house down. He’s done it.”

el-Rufai’s lawyers described the statements as false and defamatory, arguing that their natural and ordinary meaning portrayed their client as someone who deliberately planned killings, paid bandits, victimised opponents through demolitions and divided Kaduna along ethnic and religious lines.

They demanded that Musa retract the statements and apologise publicly, while also seeking N10 billion compensation for injury to el-Rufai’s reputation.

Similarly, the family of Nasir el-Rufai gave the minister seven days to substantiate his allegation that the former Kaduna governor was involved in planning killings in southern Kaduna.

The family said that while the minister was entitled to his opinion, serious allegations of criminal conduct should be backed by credible evidence.

IN a statement jointly signed by Zana Goni (North-East), Dr Mohammed Suleman (North-West) and Prof. John Anaho (North-Central), the elders accused el-Rufai’s eight-year administration of leaving behind a legacy of division, controversial policies and maladministration.

It argued that the former governor’s record should be subjected to rigorous public scrutiny rather than shielded from criticism because of his political influence or regional identity.

CNEEPD said Musa should not be vilified for speaking about Kaduna’s experience under el-Rufai, maintaining that the minister’s remarks touched on issues that affected the state’s political stability, social cohesion and development.
THE Kaduna network, which described itself as a political pressure group comprising Muslims and Christians, said Musa’s comments reflected the experiences of residents during el-Rufai’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Tahir Tanko, and Secretary, Steven Kefas, the group accused el-Rufai’s administration of implementing policies and taking actions that, according to it, deepened divisions in the state.

The group alleged that thousands of workers were sacked, actions were taken against traditional rulers, insecurity was poorly handled, while markets and homes were demolished without adequate compensation.

It further alleged that Christian and Muslim leaders, who criticised some government policies, were arrested and detained, while also accusing the administration of overseeing the killing of Shiites.

It expressed support for the minister’s work in the security sector and wished him success in his efforts to improve the country’s security situation.

The group also called on Kaduna citizens to support the present administration’s efforts to promote unity, inclusiveness and fairness in governance.