You Paid Bandits Too” — Mahdi Shehu Slams El-Rufai Over Security Criticism
“You Paid Bandits Too” — Mahdi Shehu Slams El-Rufai Over Security Criticism
Human rights activist Mahdi Shehu has taken aim at former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of hypocrisy over his recent criticism of the country’s security approach.
Reacting to El-Rufai’s interview on Channels Television, Shehu said it was ironic for the ex-governor to lambast Kaduna’s current governor, Uba Sani, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for allegedly making payments to bandits when he himself once admitted to doing the same.
Citing a Vanguard report from December 3, 2016, Shehu recalled El-Rufai’s own words:
“We took specific measures by sending teams to trace these individuals in countries like Cameroon and Niger, informing them that there is a new governor who is Fulani, willing to pay compensation for lives lost, and urging them to stop the killings.”
Shehu argued that El-Rufai has no moral ground to now condemn the very practice he once defended.
“Is this not the same El-Rufai who admitted to paying compensation and gifts to armed groups, yet now condemns others for offering material inducement as a security strategy simply because he is no longer in power?” he asked.
“Amnesia in Power Circles”
The activist also reminded El-Rufai of the Buhari era (2015–2023), when insecurity soared despite trillions spent on counter-insurgency. He accused El-Rufai — a key figure during that administration — of conveniently forgetting his role in an era marked by escalating violence and questionable security spending.
According to Shehu, El-Rufai’s recent interview betrayed “anger, bitterness, and vindictiveness,” and reflected the tendency of former office holders to shift positions once out of power.
“If Nuhu Ribadu and Governor Uba Sani are guilty of what El-Rufai accuses them of, then El-Rufai is far guiltier, given his over 20 years in the corridors of power,” he said.
A Final Rebuke
Shehu concluded his remarks with a biblical reminder aimed squarely at the former governor:
“Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”
By Haruna Yakubu Haruna
