The family of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has given Defence Minister Christopher Musa seven days to provide evidence supporting his allegation that the former governor was involved in planning killings in Southern Kaduna.
The demand was contained in a statement issued on Monday by Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, on behalf of the family.
Musa made the allegation during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on September 3, where he accused El-Rufai of several actions he said contributed to divisions and violence in Kaduna State.
The minister alleged that El-Rufai divided Kaduna along regional lines and restricted movement between northern and southern parts of the state. He also accused the former governor of paying bandits, while describing him as “misguided” rather than an enemy.
The El-Rufai family rejected the allegations concerning the former governor’s alleged role in killings, arguing that Musa did not present evidence to support such a serious claim.
The family said the minister was entitled to his opinion but maintained that allegations involving criminal conduct must be backed by credible evidence.
“This grave allegation was made without the presentation of any evidence in support of the claim,” the family said.
The family has therefore demanded that Musa either substantiate the allegation within seven days or issue a full public retraction and apology.
It warned that failure to comply could lead to legal action, saying the family would pursue all appropriate remedies available under the law over what it described as unsubstantiated allegations.
