Nigeria: El-Rufai Demands N10bn, Apology From Defence Minister Musa

What the report says

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has demanded 10 billion naira in compensation and a public apology from Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), over remarks Musa allegedly made during a television interview. According to the report distributed by AllAfrica from Vanguard, the demand was set out in a pre-action letter dated September 7, 2026, and sent by El-Rufai’s lawyers to the Federal Ministry of Defence in Abuja.

The dispute stems from Musa’s appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on September 3, where he reportedly spoke about insecurity in Kaduna State and made claims about El-Rufai. El-Rufai’s legal team described the statements as false and damaging, saying they suggested he was linked to deliberate killings, banditry and abuses of office. The lawyers denied those allegations and said none has been tested or proven in court.

The letter seeks a retraction and apology with similar prominence to the original comments, including publication in two national newspapers. It also asks that materials related to the interview be preserved and that the sources for Musa’s claims be disclosed. Musa has seven days to comply before possible legal action, which could include damages, injunctions and other court orders.

The article also notes that Muslim and Christian leaders in Southern Kaduna have urged restraint and dialogue amid the controversy. Their appeal reflects the sensitivity of insecurity and intercommunal tensions in the region, even as the legal dispute remains unresolved.