Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has taken legal steps against the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), following remarks the former governor’s legal team described as defamatory.
In a formal letter before action dated September 7, 2026, El-Rufai’s lawyers, Chambers of Ubong Akpan, demanded the immediate withdrawal of the disputed statements, an unreserved public apology and compensation of ₦10 billion. The letter was addressed to the Defence Minister at the Federal Ministry of Defence in Abuja.
The dispute followed Musa’s appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on September 3, where the Defence Minister discussed insecurity in Kaduna State and made several comments concerning El-Rufai’s administration.
According to El-Rufai’s lawyers, Musa made allegations linking the former governor to serious security-related issues, including killings in Southern Kaduna, dealings with bandits, ransom payments and controversial demolitions carried out during his tenure as governor.
The legal team rejected the allegations and argued that the statements were false, damaging and capable of harming El-Rufai’s reputation. The lawyers further maintained that the claims had not been established by any court of competent jurisdiction and therefore demanded that the minister provide strict proof of the allegations.
Disputed comments over Kaduna security
The controversy centres particularly on comments attributed to Musa concerning the security situation in Southern Kaduna and the former governor’s alleged role in events that occurred during his administration.
Musa had accused El-Rufai of having done what he described as “terrible things” in Kaduna State and alleged that the former governor divided the state along regional lines. The minister also discussed the movement of residents between northern and southern parts of Kaduna during the former governor’s tenure.
El-Rufai’s legal representatives, however, strongly disputed the interpretation of their client’s record and rejected the allegations concerning killings, banditry and other criminal conduct.
The lawyers said the statements, taken together, portrayed their client in a highly damaging manner and could expose him to public condemnation without the allegations first being tested through due legal process.
Lawyers demand retraction and apology
As part of the pre-litigation demands, El-Rufai’s legal team requested that Musa publicly retract the disputed statements and issue an unreserved apology.
The lawyers also demanded that all materials connected to the television programme be preserved. These include recordings, transcripts, correspondence and other relevant evidence that could become important if the dispute proceeds to court.
They gave the Defence Minister and his representatives 24 hours to acknowledge receipt of the letter and seven days to provide a substantive written response to the demands.
The ₦10 billion compensation demand forms part of the legal action threatened by the former governor over what his lawyers consider damage to his reputation. The demand is not a court judgment or an award of damages; any eventual liability would have to be determined through the appropriate legal process if the matter reaches court.
El-Rufai family separately seeks clarification
The development has also prompted a separate response from El-Rufai’s family.
The family gave Musa seven days to provide evidence supporting the allegation that the former governor deliberately planned killings in Southern Kaduna or withdraw the allegation and apologise through the same medium where it was made.
The family described the allegation as serious and said credible evidence should be provided if such a claim is to be maintained. It warned that failure to respond could lead to further legal action.
What happens next?
The dispute now places attention on whether the Defence Minister will respond to the demands within the period specified by El-Rufai’s legal team or whether the matter will escalate into a formal defamation case.
For now, the allegations remain disputed by the parties. No court has, based on the reports available, made a judicial determination that the allegations against El-Rufai are true or that Musa is liable for defamation.
The case is therefore expected to attract further public and legal attention, particularly given the prominence of both men and the sensitivity of the allegations involving insecurity, banditry and the history of violence in Kaduna State.
If no settlement is reached within the period stated in the letter, El-Rufai’s lawyers have indicated that their client reserves the right to pursue all remedies available under Nigerian law.