Omokri Accuses El-Rufai of Rights Abuses During Kaduna Governorship

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai

Omokri Accuses El-Rufai of Rights Abuses During Kaduna Governorship

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has come under renewed public scrutiny following a strongly worded statement by former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, who accused him of multiple human rights violations and abuse of power during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.

In a detailed commentary circulated online, Omokri urged Nigerians not to sympathise with the former governor amid his ongoing political and legal challenges, alleging a pattern of repression and authoritarian conduct while in office.

Allegations of Human Rights Violations

Omokri referenced the 2015 clash between the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), led by Ibrahim el-Zakzaky, in Zaria, Kaduna State. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Shiite members, with the official figure put at 347. Other accounts have suggested higher casualty numbers.

He accused el-Rufai’s administration of contributing to what he described as the “barbaric treatment” of Zakzaky and the mass casualties recorded during the incident.

Disappearance of Abubakar Idris

Omokri also revisited the case of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who was reportedly abducted from his residence in Kaduna on August 2, 2019, shortly before Jumu’ah prayers. Idris has not been seen since his disappearance.

Arrests and Alleged Harassment of Critics

According to Omokri, several journalists and activists were arrested during el-Rufai’s administration for critical reporting. Among those he mentioned were Jacob Onjewu Dickson, Segun Onibiyo, Midat Joseph, and Audu Maikori.

Maikori, a lawyer and activist, reportedly left Nigeria for the United States following his legal battles with the Kaduna State Government at the time.

Demolition of Properties Linked to Political Opponents

The statement further accused el-Rufai of demolishing properties allegedly linked to political adversaries.

Among those cited was Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, whose residence was reportedly demolished in the early hours of the morning during a period of political disagreement within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State.

Omokri also alleged that properties associated with Aisha Mercy Yakubu and Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, a former APC National Vice Chairman (North West), were demolished following disputes with the former governor.

Financial Allegations

In addition to human rights concerns, Omokri pointed to allegations by the Kaduna State House of Assembly accusing el-Rufai of involvement in the alleged mismanagement or diversion of ₦423 billion during his administration. The former governor has not been convicted of any wrongdoing, and the matter remains within the realm of political and legal processes.

Political Tensions

The commentary also criticised el-Rufai for recently accusing the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, of being responsible for his current political predicament. Omokri dismissed the claim, stating that legal scrutiny should not be equated with persecution.

As of press time, el-Rufai has not publicly responded to the latest remarks.

The renewed accusations have sparked debate across political and civil society circles, with supporters and critics sharply divided over the former governor’s legacy in Kaduna State.