Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai threatens legal action against Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), over alleged defamatory remarks made during a television interview.
El-Rufai, through his legal team, issues a formal letter of claim dated September 7, 2026. In it, his lawyers demand an immediate retraction of the statements, an unreserved apology, and the preservation of relevant evidence. They say the comments were made during a programme broadcast on September 3, 2026, and they cite allegations relating to bandits, killings, demolitions and ransom payments, as well as El-Rufai’s alleged conduct while he was governor of Kaduna State.
The solicitors state that the broadcast remains available through terrestrial television, satellite television and online streaming platforms. They also set timelines for the defence minister’s response, requiring acknowledgment within 24 hours and a substantive written reply within seven days. Both outlets frame the issue as a dispute over whether the broadcasted statements are defamatory and whether it will proceed to court if not resolved.
