347 Dead, Critics Jailed, Homes Demolished: The Dark Questions Trailing Nasir el-Rufai’s Kaduna Years
By Passman Akpos
A fierce political storm is brewing following a strongly worded statement by former presidential aide and political commentator, Reno Omokri, who has publicly criticised former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, over alleged human rights abuses and abuse of office during his eight-year administration from 2015 to 2023.
In a detailed and emotionally charged commentary, Omokri accused el-Rufai of presiding over what he described as a “despotic regime,” citing the 2015 clash between the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), led by Shiite cleric, Ibrahim el-Zakzaky. The confrontation, which occurred in Zaria, resulted in significant casualties. Official reports put the death toll at 347, though alternative accounts have suggested higher figures.
Omokri alleged that the treatment of Sheikh Zakzaky during detention and the deaths recorded during the crisis remain a stain on el-Rufai’s legacy as governor.
The former presidential aide also revisited the controversial 2019 disappearance of government critic, Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata. Idris was reportedly abducted from his Kaduna residence on August 2, 2019, and has not been seen since. His disappearance sparked national and international concern at the time, with family members and rights groups continuing to demand answers.
In addition, Omokri referenced the arrests and alleged intimidation of journalists and activists during el-Rufai’s tenure, naming individuals such as Jacob Onjewu Dickson, Segun Onibiyo, Midat Joseph, and Audu Maikori, who reportedly fled Nigeria following legal and political pressures.
The commentary further accused the former governor of using demolition exercises as political reprisals. Omokri cited instances involving Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi and Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, both prominent political figures said to have opposed el-Rufai during his time in office. Houses allegedly linked to the critics were demolished, actions critics described as politically motivated — allegations the former governor’s administration had consistently defended as enforcement of urban planning laws.
Omokri also referenced tensions in Southern Kaduna during el-Rufai’s administration, where recurring communal violence drew national attention and criticism from civil society and Christian groups.
The statement comes amid recent public disagreements between el-Rufai and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, with Omokri dismissing claims that the former governor is being politically targeted.
He further cited allegations by the Kaduna State House of Assembly regarding the purported misappropriation of ₦423 billion during el-Rufai’s administration — claims that remain subject to ongoing political and legal scrutiny.
El-Rufai has not issued a direct response to Omokri’s latest remarks. However, he has previously denied allegations of wrongdoing throughout his tenure, maintaining that his administration acted within the bounds of the law.
As political tensions rise, observers say the unfolding accusations and counter-accusations could significantly shape public discourse ahead of future political alignments.
