Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has petitioned the Police Service Commission (PSC), accusing the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police and other senior officers of serious misconduct and abuse of office.
In a letter dated September 8, 2025, El-Rufai called on the PSC to launch a thorough and independent investigation into what he described as the “unlawful and unconstitutional conduct” of officers in the Kaduna State Police Command.
“I am writing as a citizen of Nigeria and former governor of Kaduna State to formally lodge this complaint and demand an immediate, impartial, and exhaustive investigation into the unlawful and unconstitutional conduct of the Commissioner of Police and some officers of the Kaduna State Police Command,” the petition read in part.
The former governor’s complaint is coming amid rising tension between him and the state police command, following recent political events in the state.
On August 30, 2025, El-Rufai and a group of opposition politicians were attacked by suspected political thugs while attending a private political meeting in Kaduna. Eyewitnesses and local reports claim that police officers were present at the scene but failed to intervene.
El-Rufai accused the police of turning a blind eye during the attack and even suggested that there may have been collusion between the attackers and the police.
“The officers stood by while we were being attacked. It’s hard to believe this happened without their knowledge or approval,” El-Rufai reportedly said after the incident.
The situation escalated further when, last week, the Kaduna State Police Command issued invitations to El-Rufai and six senior members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), asking them to appear for questioning.
The police allege that the opposition leaders are being investigated for criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief, and causing grievous hurt — a move El-Rufai’s supporters say is politically motivated.
El-Rufai’s petition to the PSC appears to be a direct response to these developments. In the letter, he demanded that the PSC look into not just the actions of the police during the attack, but also the motive behind the criminal allegations filed against him and other opposition figures.
He argued that the police have failed in their duty to protect citizens and are instead being used as tools to suppress political opposition in Kaduna State.
As of the time of this report, the Police Service Commission has not made any official comment on the petition. The Kaduna State Police Command also declined to respond when contacted.
Political watchers say the case could further deepen political divisions in the state, especially if the PSC chooses to act on El-Rufai’s petition. Many will also be watching to see whether the police will continue with their planned investigation or withdraw the invitations.
