The Kaduna State Police Command has invited former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, along with seven top members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for questioning over serious allegations, including criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief, and causing grievous harm.
This development is coming amid rising political tension in the state, just days after violent clashes were reported during a political meeting involving the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and ADC.
According to a police letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Uzainu Abdullahi, the ADC State Chairman was instructed to ensure that El-Rufai and the other listed individuals report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on Monday, September 8.
The letter, titled “Investigation Activities: Case of Criminal Conspiracy, Inciting Disturbance of Public Peace, Mischief and Causing Grievous Hurt,” stated that the invitation is to allow the individuals to respond to allegations made against them.
The seven others invited alongside El-Rufai include:
Bashir Sa’idu
Jafaru Sani
Ubaidullah Mohammed (popularly known as “30”)
Nasiru Maikano
Aminu Abita
Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini (also known as “Mikiya”)
Police sources say the invitation follows a report related to recent political violence that occurred during a coalition meeting between the SDP and ADC in Kaduna last week. Several individuals were reportedly injured when suspected political thugs disrupted the gathering, leading to chaos and physical attacks.
In a related development, security operatives on Wednesday sealed the Kaduna office of the African Democratic Congress located at No. 4 Ali Akilu Road. The closure happened just hours before the ADC’s North-West leadership was scheduled to visit the state chapter on a commiseration visit.
The planned visit was to sympathise with party members who were injured in the recent attack.
Although the police have not officially confirmed if the closure of the party office is directly linked to the ongoing investigation, political observers in the state believe the two incidents are related.
El-Rufai, who completed his tenure as governor of Kaduna State in May 2023, has remained a prominent political figure, often associated with national political debates and regional party activities. His invitation by the police has sparked public interest, given his high-profile status and the nature of the allegations.
The African Democratic Congress has yet to issue an official statement regarding the police invitation or the sealing of its office. However, party insiders who spoke anonymously said they believe the actions are politically motivated.
A senior ADC member in Kaduna said, “This is an attempt to intimidate opposition voices. The party was only holding a peaceful meeting when thugs attacked us. Now the same victims are the ones being invited by the police.”
Meanwhile, civil society organisations have called for transparency in the investigation and urged the police to ensure the process is not influenced by politics.
“This is a very sensitive matter,” said Dr. Halima Sani of the Kaduna Centre for Justice and Democracy. “The police must ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for violence are held accountable—regardless of political affiliation.”
As of the time of filing this report, it is unclear whether El-Rufai or the other ADC leaders have responded to the police invitation. More developments are expected as the scheduled date of interrogation approaches.
