Paragraph 1: The Genesis of the Conflict
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has lodged a formal complaint against the Kaduna State Police Command with the Police Service Commission (PSC), alleging “unprofessional conduct, abuse of office, and serial violations” of the Police Act by certain officers within the command. This petition, made public on Monday, marks an escalation in the ongoing tension between El-Rufai and the state police. The crux of El-Rufai’s grievance centers around the conduct of the Commissioner of Police and other officers since their assumption of duty on December 30, 2024. El-Rufai asserts that these officers have engaged in actions that are “unbecoming of their calling,” prompting him to seek intervention from the PSC. This action follows an earlier unsuccessful attempt to address the issue through a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, which apparently failed to curb the alleged misconduct.
Paragraph 2: El-Rufai’s Concerns and Justification for the Petition
El-Rufai, in a statement released by his media advisor, Muyiwa Adekeye, underscored the importance of the Nigerian Police Force as the primary law enforcement agency in the country. He emphasized the civic duty to support the police while also ensuring that the PSC, the regulatory body responsible for police conduct, is empowered to enforce discipline and ethical behavior among officers. The former governor expressed concern that the alleged actions of certain officers were not only detrimental to the image of the police but also eroded public trust in the institution’s leadership. He framed his petition as a necessary step to hold the police accountable and maintain public confidence in law enforcement.
Paragraph 3: The Allegations and Their Potential Political Undertones
While the publicly released petition lacked specific details regarding the alleged misconduct, sources close to El-Rufai suggest a link to recent police actions in Kaduna State that appeared to target some of his political allies. This raises the possibility of a political dimension to the conflict, suggesting that the police actions might be motivated by factors beyond routine law enforcement. The lack of specifics in the public version of the petition allows for speculation and raises questions about the nature and extent of the alleged misconduct. The Kaduna State Police Command, at the time of reporting, had not issued an official response to the petition, leaving the allegations unanswered and contributing to the ongoing uncertainty.
Paragraph 4: The Kaduna Police Command’s Summoning of El-Rufai and ADC Members
Prior to El-Rufai’s petition to the PSC, the Kaduna Police Command had summoned him and six other top members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for questioning. The summons, issued on September 4, 2025, by Deputy Commissioner of Police Uzairu Abdullahi, requested their presence at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on September 8, 2025. The police sought their clarification on allegations of conspiracy, incitement, mischief, and disturbance of public peace. Notably, the complaint that prompted the summons originated from unidentified parties, adding another layer of complexity to the situation and raising further questions about the motivations behind the police action.
Paragraph 5: The Individuals Targeted by the Police Summons
The summons listed seven individuals, including El-Rufai himself, Bashir Sa’idu, Jafaru Sani, Ubaidullah Mohammed (also known as “30”), Nasiru Maikano, Aminu Abita, and Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini (also known as “Mikiya”). The police requested the ADC State Chairman to ensure their appearance at the SCID. This summons, coming before El-Rufai’s petition, suggests a potential tit-for-tat scenario where the police action may have prompted El-Rufai’s formal complaint to the PSC. The sequence of events raises questions about the relationship between the summons and the allegations of police misconduct detailed in El-Rufai’s petition.
Paragraph 6: Unanswered Questions and the Need for Transparency
The ongoing dispute between El-Rufai and the Kaduna Police Command remains shrouded in some ambiguity, particularly concerning the specific details of the alleged police misconduct. The lack of an official response from the police command further contributes to the uncertainty. A transparent investigation and public disclosure of the facts are crucial to address the concerns raised by El-Rufai and ensure accountability within the police force. The outcome of the PSC investigation, as well as any further actions taken by the Kaduna Police Command, will be critical in determining the trajectory of this unfolding conflict. The public interest demands clarity and accountability from both sides in this matter.
