Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has raised concerns over what he described as a fresh attempt to implicate him in criminal activities, alleging a coordinated effort to damage his reputation and prolong his detention.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai warned of what he termed “malicious orchestrations,” citing recent developments as evidence of a troubling pattern. He referenced an incident on February 12, 2026, when he was allegedly marked for arrest upon arriving at Abuja Airport from Cairo, describing it as an early indication of the challenges he now faces.

El-Rufai further disclosed that he honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, after which he was detained and subsequently transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on February 18.

The latest controversy follows an April 18 report by The Nation titled “El-Rufai’s trial: Gunmen invade principal witness home.” The report cited claims by a witness, Mohammed Umar Karage, who alleged that armed men attacked his residence. He suggested the incident might be linked to his role in an ongoing case at the Kaduna State High Court and drew parallels with the disappearance of Kaduna-based activist Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.

While acknowledging the importance of reporting criminal incidents, El-Rufai’s camp accused the newspaper of publishing what it described as “false imputations” that indirectly linked him to the attack. His representatives argued that the report was designed to tarnish his image, weaken his pending bail application, and associate him with serious allegations.

Maintaining his innocence, El-Rufai stated that he has no connection to the incident and affirmed that his legal team has been instructed to initiate defamation proceedings against the publication.

The statement also alleged that since 2023, the former governor has been subjected to a sustained campaign of “innuendo and vilification,” despite his record in public service. It warned against the misuse of legal processes, emphasizing that the rule of law must not be weaponised.

“El-Rufai should be accorded full due process guaranteed to every citizen, and the persistent disregard for his rights must cease immediately,” the statement concluded.