The Kaduna State Police Command has refuted claims made by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai alleging the abduction and illegal detention of his former commissioner, Jafaru Sani, by a supposed “kidnapping gang” operating within the police force. El-Rufai’s accusations, which spread quickly via social media, suggested that Sani was remanded in prison without due process, lacking both a police report and formal charges from the State Ministry of Justice. The police have categorically denied these allegations, labeling them as frivolous, malicious, and an attempt to undermine law enforcement. The command insists that all actions taken in Sani’s case were strictly in accordance with established legal procedures and constitutional mandates.
The core of the disagreement lies in the interpretation of the events surrounding Sani’s detention. While El-Rufai portrays Sani as a victim of an internal police conspiracy, the police maintain they were acting on legitimate grounds to investigate potential offenses. The police spokesman, Mansir Hassan, emphasized the constitutional authority granted to law enforcement agencies to arrest and investigate individuals suspected of criminal activity. He underscored the importance of due process being followed in every such instance, asserting that the police force operates within the framework of the 1999 Constitution and is committed to upholding the rule of law.
According to the police, the existence of an internal “kidnapping gang” within their ranks is a baseless fabrication. They have emphasized that the very notion of such a group contradicts the very principles and mission of the Nigerian Police Force. Their mandate, as outlined in the constitution, is to maintain law and order, protect lives and properties, and investigate crimes. The allegations made by El-Rufai, they contend, not only tarnish the image of the police force but also erode public trust in law enforcement.
The police further emphasized the importance of responsible public discourse, especially from individuals who have held positions of authority. They urged these individuals to verify information thoroughly before making public statements, particularly accusations against security agencies. Spreading unverified claims, they argued, misleads the public and undermines public trust in the institutions responsible for safety and security. The police insisted on the importance of checks and balances and welcomed scrutiny of their actions, but emphasized the need for accurate information to be the basis of any criticism.
The police’s response serves as a reminder of the potential damage caused by spreading misinformation, especially in the sensitive area of law enforcement. Their rebuttal against El-Rufai’s accusations stresses the importance of respecting legal procedures and relying on credible evidence. They also highlighted the potential repercussions of unsubstantiated allegations in eroding public trust in security agencies, which are crucial for maintaining order and stability.
The incident also underscores the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the responsibility that comes with it. While individuals, especially former public figures, have the right to express their opinions and concerns, they also have a responsibility to ensure their assertions are based on factual accuracy. Making serious allegations without substantiating them can not only harm the reputations of individuals and institutions but also create unnecessary public anxiety and distrust. The incident serves as a case study in the importance of responsible communication and the potential for misinformation to escalate tensions and undermine institutions.
