Dalena Reporters l Thursday, February 26, 2026
In a dramatic unfolding of legal maneuvering and political strife, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has become the focal point of intense controversy that blends courtroom litigation with political contention. Once celebrated for his reformist agenda, El-Rufai now finds himself enmeshed in a complex confrontation that raises profound questions about power, accountability, and the role of state institutions in Nigeria’s democracy.
At the heart of the current legal battle is El-Rufai’s bid to have criminal charges filed against him by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) struck down. In filings before a Nigerian court, his legal team has argued that the indictment “discloses no offence known to law” and represents an abuse of judicial process, seeking both a discharge and the dismissal of all charges. In a counter-move, El-Rufai has also filed a suit seeking ₦2 billion in damages from the DSS, alleging that state apparatuses are being weaponised to harass and embarrass him.
These developments unfold against a backdrop of long-standing and bitter allegations tied to El-Rufai’s time in office from 2015 to 2023. Critics have accused his administration of human rights violations, financial improprieties, and political intimidation — charges El-Rufai has consistently rejected as politically motivated attempts to tarnish his legacy. Among the most scrutinised episodes of his tenure was the December 2015 Zaria clash between the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), an incident that drew international attention and was submitted to the International Criminal Court, though no conviction was entered against the former governor personally.
Persistent violence in Southern Kaduna also marred his record, with detractors arguing that vulnerable communities were inadequately protected. El-Rufai disputed claims of genocide, framing the unrest instead as entrenched communal conflict beyond the immediate control of his administration. Additionally, accusations over the disappearance of political activist Abubakar Idris — known as Dadiyata — and allegations of oppressive responses to protest rallies have remained unresolved and politically charged.
Financial scrutiny has added a further dimension to El-Rufai’s legal woes. A 2024 report by Kaduna’s State House of Assembly alleged misappropriation of billions of naira and irregular borrowing practices under his watch, prompting an investigation by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. While El-Rufai has denied all financial wrongdoing, these claims continue to shadow his public image.
The dispute has escalated in recent weeks to include explosive allegations from El-Rufai against national security figures, including claims of phone-tapping and conspiracies to destroy his political career. These assertions, not yet substantiated in open court, epitomise the fraught intersection of legal accountability and political rivalry in Nigeria’s contemporary landscape.
Observers note that this saga exemplifies the adage “If you live in a glass house, don’t throw stones,” as public figures with contested pasts engage in a tussle where personal reputation and institutional integrity are inextricably linked. For Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, the outcome of these cases could serve as a test of judicial independence and democratic resilience — affirming that no individual, regardless of stature, is beyond the reach of the law.