Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a petition to the Police Service Commission (PSC), alleging unprofessional conduct and violations of the Police Act by officers of the Kaduna State Police Command. In his petition, El-Rufai underscored the need for accountability within the force, stressing that misconduct by certain officers threatens public trust and the integrity of law enforcement institutions.
El-Rufai maintained that the PSC, as the body responsible for oversight, must not only be vigilant but also act promptly in enforcing discipline. He warned that ignoring cases of misconduct emboldens officers who act outside the law, thereby undermining Section 4 of the Police Act 2020, which defines the constitutional duties of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The duty of all citizens is not only to support the police at every level but also to ensure that the Commission is given opportunities to enforce ethical conduct. This goal can only be achieved if attention is drawn to egregious behaviour by bad eggs that serve interests other than those conferred by law,” the former governor wrote. He further noted that he had previously drawn similar concerns to the Inspector-General of Police following what he described as “unlawful acts” since the appointment of Commissioner Rabiu Muhammad on 30 December 2024.
Petition Amidst Police Summons
El-Rufai’s petition comes against the backdrop of a police summons served on him and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State. The summons alleged their involvement in criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief, and causing grievous harm.
The invitation, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of criminal investigation, Zubairu Abdullahi, directed El-Rufai and the listed party leaders to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to clarify allegations lodged by complainants on September 8, 2025. However, some ADC members claim they were never formally notified and only discovered the summons through online reports, raising concerns about transparency in police procedures.
This summons has further heightened political tensions in Kaduna, with opposition figures interpreting the development as a direct attempt to silence dissent. El-Rufai, through his petition, urged the PSC to investigate impartially and restore confidence in the neutrality of the police.
Inauguration Clashes Heighten Tensions
The dispute traces back to violent clashes that erupted on August 30 during the inauguration of a transition committee formed by a coalition of opposition parties under the ADC. The event, designed to usher in a new phase of collaboration among the opposition, descended into chaos when suspected thugs attacked participants with cutlasses, clubs, and stones. Several attendees sustained injuries, while property at the venue was vandalised.
Despite the disruption, the inauguration proceeded under tense conditions. The coalition includes not only ADC members but also factions of the All Progressives Congress (APC) opposed to the state leadership, alongside the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Labour Party (LP). Their collective front has unsettled the ruling establishment, which sees the alliance as a significant political threat ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Kaduna State Police Command, however, accused El-Rufai of failing to notify security agencies about the event, despite what it claimed were prior warnings. DSP Mansir Hassan, the police spokesman, stated that the omission constituted a breach of public order and justified the intervention of security operatives.
ADC Accuses Federal Government of Intimidation
The African Democratic Congress has strongly condemned the summons on El-Rufai and other party leaders, describing it as part of a broader campaign to intimidate opposition politicians in Kaduna and beyond. In a statement issued by its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that the federal government is “weaponising security institutions” to weaken political challengers.
Abdullahi further pointed to an attack on the convoy of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, as evidence of a “coordinated effort” to instill fear and suppress political activity. He argued that the pattern of harassment and violence against opposition voices is a dangerous trend for Nigeria’s democracy.
El-Rufai has also not shied away from challenging the federal government on security policies. Recently, he accused authorities of “empowering bandits” through what he termed a “kiss-the-bandits policy” involving payment of allowances and provision of food under so-called non-kinetic measures. According to him, such strategies embolden criminals rather than resolve the insecurity crisis.
El Rufai Call for Independent Investigation
In his petition to the PSC, El-Rufai appealed for what he described as an “immediate, impartial, and exhaustive” investigation into the alleged misconduct of Kaduna police officers. He emphasised that the credibility of the Nigeria Police depends on its ability to enforce discipline within its ranks, irrespective of political affiliations.
Political observers note that the unfolding events in Kaduna reflect a larger struggle between the ruling elite and emerging opposition coalitions. If mishandled, analysts warn, the dispute could further inflame tensions in a state already grappling with insecurity and political divisions.
For now, the spotlight remains on the PSC, which faces mounting pressure to demonstrate independence by investigating El-Rufai’s claims and ensuring that the police command in Kaduna operates strictly within the law.
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