No Witch-Hunt! Police Defend Ex-Commissioner’s Arrest Amid El-Rufai’s Outrage

The claims, which add to the ongoing rift between El-Rufai and the current Kaduna administration, suggested that Jafaru was remanded in prison without a police First Information Report (FIR) or formal charges from the State Ministry of Justice.

In a statement on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, dismissed the allegations as “frivolous” and “malicious,” stressing that the police acted within the law.

“The attention of the Kaduna State Police Command has been drawn to a statement by former Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai on his X handle, where he alleged that one of his former commissioners, Malam Jafaru Sani, was abducted by what he termed ‘Uba Sani’s kidnapping gang,’ which he claimed to be the police.

“The former governor further asserted that Jafaru was remanded in prison by a magistrate without a police FIR or formal charges from the State Ministry of Justice,” Hassan stated.

He emphasized that the police, as a constitutional institution, have the legal mandate to investigate and prosecute criminal offenses.

“To set the record straight, there is no ‘kidnapping gang’ within the Nigerian Police Force. The police are empowered by the 1999 Constitution to maintain law and order. In fulfilling this constitutional duty, the force has the legal right to arrest and investigate individuals suspected of committing offenses,” he added.

The command urged the public, particularly former public office holders, to refrain from making baseless accusations against security agencies.

“Individuals, corporate organizations, and the government have the right to file complaints with the police, and we have the duty to investigate such matters. If an offense is established, legal proceedings may follow.

“We encourage citizens to verify their claims before making public accusations, as misleading statements against security agencies can undermine public trust and disrupt law enforcement efforts. Those feeling aggrieved should seek legal redress instead of making inflammatory remarks that could escalate tensions,” the statement concluded.