K-23 Movement Calls for El-Rufai's Prosecution Over Corruption Allegations

The K-23 Movement, a group of concerned citizens from Kaduna State, has joined the growing chorus of voices calling for the prosecution of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai over allegations of monumental corruption. The group, which describes itself as a "Movement for Justice, Peace and Progress," alleges that El-Rufai's stewardship of Kaduna State was marked by corruption and executive impunity, leaving behind a battered economy and a people beleaguered by years of misrule.

The K-23 Movement cites a report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which leveled charges of corruption against El-Rufai. The group expresses surprise that El-Rufai has not been prosecuted, despite the gravity of the allegations against him. Instead, they claim, he has launched a campaign of calumny against the current state government and the National Security Adviser, Mal Nuhu Ribadu.

The group praises Ribadu's record, noting that he served his country meritoriously as the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They also commend his work as the current National Security Adviser, where he is working to rid the north and the entire country of banditry, terrorism, and other security challenges.

In contrast, the K-23 Movement alleges that El-Rufai's administration was marked by political repression, with numerous citizens, including journalists, traditional leaders, politicians, and academics, being jailed without recourse to fairness. They cite specific cases, including the detention of journalist Luka Biniyat for 185 days, and the abduction and torture of Bashir Hamdada, a political associate of Senator Shehu Sani.

The group also accuses El-Rufai of failing to disclose the trillions of naira that accrued to the state coffers from various grants and loans during his eight-year tenure. They claim that he received millions of dollars in Paris Club refunds, billions of naira in ecological funds, and billions of naira from the Excess Crude Account, all without disclosing the sums to the people of Kaduna State.

The K-23 Movement is calling on the EFCC to take action on the Kaduna State House of Assembly's report and to investigate El-Rufai's record of abuse of office and human rights violations. They also urge all relevant agencies to investigate his alleged crimes, including arbitrary detention and the illegal demolition of homes and business properties in Kaduna, Zaria, and Kafanchan.

"We therefore join the numerous calls on the EFCC to take all necessary actions on the Kaduna State House of Assembly Report of Investigation into his eight-year tenure," the group says. "Those who come to equity must come with clean hands. Mal Nasir El-Rufai should face the charges leveled against him, rather than launching attacks on the current administration." ¹