CSGG DEMANDS COMPREHENSIVE INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO ALL ALLEGATIONS AND UNRESOLVED ISSUES DURING EL-RUFAI’S ADMINISTRATION

CSGG DEMANDS COMPREHENSIVE INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO ALL ALLEGATIONS AND UNRESOLVED ISSUES DURING EL-RUFAI’S ADMINISTRATION

Says Only a Thorough Investigation Can Establish the Truth, Deliver Justice to Victims and Clear Those Wrongly Accused

KADUNA, September 10 , 2026 — The Citizens Support for Good Governance (CSGG) has called for a comprehensive, independent, transparent and impartial investigation into allegations and unresolved issues surrounding killings, insecurity, human rights concerns and other matters arising during the tenure of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, from 2015 to 2023.

The call was contained in a statement released in Kaduna on September 9, 2026, jointly signed by the National Coordinator of CSGG, Dr. Adeosun Olumide Olayinka; the National Secretary, Hon. Hamis Danbaba Malumfashi; and the Director of Media and Public Communications, Hon. Victor Mathew Bobai.

The organisation said the renewed public attention surrounding allegations relating to events during the former governor’s administration makes it necessary for relevant Nigerian institutions to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry.

According to the organisation, the purpose of an investigation is to establish the truth.

“Serious allegations should not be swept under the carpet”

“If the allegations are false, exaggerated or unsupported by evidence, a credible investigation will provide an opportunity for those accused to be cleared.

“If evidence establishes wrongdoing, then the appropriate legal institutions should act in accordance with the law.”

ALL ALLEGATIONS MUST BE INVESTIGATED

CSGG said the proposed inquiry should not be selective.

The organisation called for a comprehensive examination of all credible allegations, public complaints, official reports and unresolved controversies relating to the administration of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.

These, according to the organisation, should include the following:

1. ALLEGATIONS AND QUESTIONS SURROUNDING KILLINGS IN KADUNA STATE

CSGG called for a detailed investigation into the numerous killings and violent attacks recorded in Kaduna State during the eight-year period.

The organisation said several communities across the state experienced serious violence, including attacks resulting in deaths, injuries, displacement and destruction of property.

The inquiry should establish:

– The number of major attacks recorded during the period;
– The number of persons confirmed killed;
– The communities affected;
– The number of persons displaced;
– The circumstances surrounding the attacks;
– Whether authorities received intelligence or early-warning information;
– What actions were taken to prevent attacks;
– Whether adequate security measures were put in place;
– What happened after the attacks;
– How many suspects were arrested;
– How many cases were investigated; and
– How many persons were prosecuted and convicted.

CSGG said Kaduna citizens deserve a credible and complete historical record of what happened.

2. SOUTHERN KADUNA KILLINGS AND ATTACKS

The organisation said the repeated killings and attacks recorded in parts of Southern Kaduna, particularly during periods of heightened violence, must form part of any comprehensive investigation.

Human rights organisations, community leaders and residents repeatedly raised concerns over killings, attacks on communities and the inability to bring perpetrators to justice.

Amnesty International, for example, reported serious concerns about attacks in rural communities and called attention to failures by authorities and security institutions to adequately protect affected populations and ensure accountability.

CSGG said an independent inquiry should determine:

– What government authorities knew about impending attacks;
– Whether warnings were received;
– Whether such warnings were acted upon;
– Whether security agencies responded promptly;
– What actions were taken by the Kaduna State Government;
– Whether affected communities received adequate protection; and
– Why perpetrators of many attacks were reportedly not brought to justice.

“The purpose is not to manufacture guilt. The purpose is to establish responsibility where evidence exists and identify institutional failures where they occurred.”

3. THE 2015 ZARIA CRISIS

CSGG said the December 2015 Zaria crisis involving the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) must also be examined as part of a broader effort to establish the truth about major incidents during the period.

A Kaduna State Judicial Commission of Inquiry was established following the incident, which resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property. The official commission documentation records that lives were lost and that the Kaduna State Government carried out a mass burial following the incident.

During proceedings before the commission, Kaduna State officials stated that 347 bodies were buried in a mass grave in the Mando area following the incident, a matter that generated serious public and human rights concerns.

CSGG said any further inquiry must carefully establish:

– The full circumstances surrounding the Zaria crisis;
– The number of persons who died;
– The identities of those who died, where possible;
– The role of the Nigerian Army;
– The role of the Kaduna State Government;
– The circumstances surrounding the removal and burial of bodies;
– Whether all applicable laws and procedures were followed;
– The findings and recommendations of previous investigations; and
– Whether all recommendations arising from previous inquiries were implemented.

CSGG stressed that responsibility must not be assumed or assigned without evidence.

4. ALLEGATIONS OF FAILURE TO PROTECT LIVES

The organisation said a major question requiring investigation concerns allegations that some communities repeatedly came under attack without adequate protection.

CSGG said the inquiry should examine allegations of:

– Failure to prevent predictable attacks;
– Failure to act on intelligence or early warnings;
– Delayed security responses;
– Inadequate protection of vulnerable communities; and
– Failure to ensure that perpetrators were arrested and prosecuted.

The organisation said these questions should be directed not only at political leaders but also at all relevant security and government institutions.

«“No inquiry should unfairly isolate one individual while ignoring the roles and responsibilities of the institutions constitutionally responsible for security.”»

5. ALLEGATIONS OF FAILURE TO ARREST AND PROSECUTE PERPETRATORS

CSGG said another major concern is the allegation that many perpetrators of killings and attacks were never identified or brought to justice.

The organisation called for an investigation into:

– Police investigations into major attacks;
– Arrests made;
– Persons charged to court;
– Cases prosecuted;
– Convictions secured; and
– Cases that remain unresolved.

CSGG said the failure to secure justice can deepen public suspicion and create dangerous divisions within communities.

6. ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO COMMUNAL AND RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE

CSGG said an inquiry should also examine allegations and public controversies concerning the Kaduna State Government’s handling of ethnic, religious and communal violence.

The investigation should examine government decisions, policies and responses during major crises.

It should also establish whether:

– Government interventions were timely;
– All affected communities were treated fairly;
– Relief and assistance were equitably distributed; and
– Government actions contributed to reducing tensions and restoring peace.

7. HUMAN RIGHTS ALLEGATIONS

CSGG called on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and other competent institutions to examine allegations of human rights violations arising from major incidents during the period.

The organisation said allegations relating to:

– Unlawful killings;
– Disappearances;
– Unlawful detention;
– Treatment of detainees;
– Forced displacement; and
– Other alleged violations

should be investigated wherever credible complaints, evidence or official records exist.

CSGG stressed that only competent investigations can determine whether any human rights violations occurred and who, if anyone, bears legal responsibility.

8. COMPENSATION, RELIEF AND SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS

CSGG said an independent inquiry should examine the treatment of victims of violence.

The inquiry should establish:

– Whether victims received humanitarian assistance;
– Whether displaced persons received support;
– Whether affected communities were rehabilitated;
– Whether families who lost relatives received assistance or compensation where applicable; and
– Whether relief materials and government support were distributed fairly.

9. FINANCIAL ALLEGATIONS ARISING FROM THE KADUNA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PROBE

CSGG said all financial allegations arising from the 2024 Kaduna State House of Assembly investigation into the financial affairs of the previous administration should also be addressed through lawful and competent processes.

The Assembly’s ad-hoc committee examined loans, contracts, grants, project implementation and other financial matters relating to the period between 2015 and 2023. The committee made allegations concerning the management of public funds, loans, contracts and due process and recommended further investigation by relevant agencies.

CSGG said these allegations must be subjected to proper investigation and judicial processes.

“An allegation by a legislative committee is not a criminal conviction. Every allegation must be tested according to the law, and every accused person is entitled to fair hearing.”

10. CURRENT CORRUPTION-RELATED ALLEGATIONS ARISING FROM OFFICIAL INVESTIGATIONS

CSGG further noted that corruption-related allegations concerning El-Rufai’s period in office have entered formal legal processes.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) announced in March 2026 that charges had been filed against the former governor in connection with allegations including conversion or possession of public property, money laundering, abuse of office, fraud and related matters. The ICPC subsequently announced his arraignment in one of the cases. These remain allegations subject to judicial determination.

CSGG stressed that:

“The existence of a charge or an allegation does not amount to guilt. The courts must be allowed to determine the cases based on evidence and the law.”

11. THE NEED TO INVESTIGATE THE ROLE OF EVERY RELEVANT INSTITUTION

CSGG insisted that a genuine inquiry must not be designed to target only one person.

The organisation said the investigation must examine the roles of all relevant institutions, including:

– The Kaduna State Government;
– The Federal Government;
– The Nigerian Army;
– The Nigeria Police Force;
– Intelligence and security agencies;
– Local government authorities;
– Relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies;
– Community and traditional institutions; and
– Any other persons or institutions connected to particular incidents.

“The objective must be truth not political persecution.”

CSGG APPEALS TO NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

CSGG appealed to relevant institutions to support lawful efforts to establish the truth.

The organisation called on:

– The National Assembly;
– The Kaduna State House of Assembly;
– The National Human Rights Commission;
– Relevant law enforcement and judicial institutions;
– The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ);
– The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC);
– Civil society organisations;
– The Nigeria Governors’ Forum;
– The Northern Governors’ Forum;
– The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS);
– The African Union (AU);
– The United Nations and relevant UN human rights mechanisms; and
– Amnesty International and other credible human rights organisations.

CSGG said international organisations should engage only within their respective mandates and applicable legal frameworks.

THIS IS NOT A CALL FOR POLITICAL PERSECUTION

The organisation strongly rejected any attempt to interpret its position as a political attack.

“We are not calling for anybody to be condemned without evidence.

“We are calling for an investigation because serious allegations have been made.»

“Only an independent and credible investigation can establish the truth.

“Such an investigation can establish guilt where evidence supports wrongdoing. It can also establish innocence and clear a person who has been wrongly accused.”

CSGG said this is why the inquiry must be independent, transparent and guided by credible evidence.

KADUNA DESERVES THE TRUTH

According to the organisation, Kaduna State has suffered years of insecurity, violence and painful loss of lives.

“Families have lost loved ones. Communities have been attacked. Citizens have been displaced.

“There are questions that remain unanswered.

“The people of Kaduna deserve answers.”

CSGG said silence and political arguments cannot replace a credible process for establishing the facts.

APPEAL TO THE KADUNA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

The organisation specifically appealed to the Kaduna State House of Assembly to consider all lawful and constitutional measures available to it to support the examination of unresolved issues.

CSGG called for an inquiry that would be:

Independent.
Impartial.
Transparent.
Professional.
Evidence-based.
And guided by the Constitution and the rule of law.

LET THE TRUTH SPEAK

CSGG concluded by insisting that the ultimate purpose of the proposed inquiry must be justice, reconciliation and lasting peace.

“Let every credible allegation be investigated.

Let every person accused be given fair hearing.

«Let every institution involved be examined.»

«Let the evidence speak.»

«Let innocent persons be cleared.»

«And where credible evidence establishes wrongdoing, let the appropriate legal process take its course.”»

The organisation maintained that justice for victims and fairness to those accused are not contradictory principles.

«“Kaduna cannot build lasting peace by ignoring painful questions.»

«The truth must be established.»

«Justice must be based on evidence.»

«And every person must be treated fairly before the law.”»

End