The family of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, demanding evidence for his allegation that the former governor deliberately planned killings in Southern Kaduna.
The family made the demand in a statement signed by El-Rufai’s eldest son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, following comments made by Musa during a recent edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Musa had criticised El-Rufai’s administration between 2015 and 2023, accusing the former governor of deepening divisions in Kaduna and contributing to the insecurity that affected parts of the state.
The Defence Minister also alleged that El-Rufai deliberately planned the killing of people in Southern Kaduna and accused him of ordering the demolition of houses belonging to individuals with whom he had personal disagreements.
Reacting, the former governor’s family described the claims as serious allegations made without supporting evidence, insisting that Musa should either substantiate them or withdraw them publicly.
The statement said the family was particularly concerned that the allegation was made during a live television broadcast, arguing that such a grave claim should not be allowed to stand without credible proof.
It therefore demanded that Musa use the same platform to retract the allegation and apologise, giving him seven days from the date of the statement to comply.
The family warned that failure to provide evidence or issue a public retraction would compel it to explore available legal options over what it described as unsubstantiated allegations. El-Rufai, a former FCT minister and Kaduna governor, is currently associated with the opposition African Democratic Congress.