Amanze Chinonye
A coalition of survivors and families in Kaduna State has called for a full investigation into alleged human rights abuses committed during the administration of former Governor Nasir el-Rufai, declaring that “no more impunity, no more silence” should define the state’s political future.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Kaduna Victims’ Coalition said it represents individuals and communities who endured “eight years of hardship, fear and loss” between 2015 and 2023 under el-Rufai’s leadership.
The group, comprising community leaders, professionals, civil servants, traditional rulers, faith leaders and civil society organisations, alleged a pattern of arbitrary abductions, persecution of critics, unlawful demolitions, mass dismissals of workers and forced displacement during the period.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAmong the cases cited is the 2018 abduction and killing of HRH Dr. Maiwada Raphael Galadima, the Agwam Adara, whose death followed controversy surrounding the restructuring of traditional institutions in southern Kaduna. The coalition alleged that suspects arrested in connection with the monarch’s murder have yet to be successfully prosecuted.
The statement also referenced the disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsenma and social media commentator who was abducted from his residence in Barnawa, Kaduna, on August 2, 2019. According to the coalition, he has remained missing since then, with August 2026 set to mark seven years since his disappearance.
The group further pointed to a December 23, 2019 social media post by Bashir el-Rufai, son of the former governor, which it described as widely perceived at the time as dismissive of calls for Idris’ safe return.
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The coalition accused the former governor’s administration of bypassing constitutional safeguards and using executive powers in ways that undermined due process. It expressed concern over what it described as attempts to recast el-Rufai’s tenure as one defined by respect for the rule of law.
“Our sole demand is accountability under the rule of law: thorough, independent investigations; prosecutions where evidence warrants; and closure for traumatised victims and families,” the statement read.
The group pledged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, judicial bodies and human rights institutions, offering to provide testimonies and evidence to support any formal inquiries.
Signatories to the statement include former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Anselm Odinkalu; lawyer and activist Audu Maikori; legal practitioner Gloria Ballason; and several civil society organisations, including House of Justice and Atrocities Watch Africa.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no immediate response from el-Rufai or his representatives regarding the allegations.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
