The Kaduna State Police Command has refuted former Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s allegations that his former commissioner, Malam Jafaru Sani, was kidnapped by a “kidnapping gang” reportedly run by police.
El-Rufai’s allegations are the most recent in a series of claims and counterclaims between the former governor and the present Kaduna State administration.
El-Rufai said that Jafaru was remanded to prison detention by a magistrate without a police First Information Report or charges from the State Ministry of Justice.
However, in a statement issued in Kaduna on Friday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, described El-Rufai’s claims as “frivolous” and “malicious.”
The statement read, “The attention of the Kaduna State Police Command has been drawn to a statement credited to former Governor of the State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, on his X handle, wherein he alleged that one of his former commissioners, Malam Jafaru Sani, was abducted by what he referred to as ‘Uba Sani’s ” kidnapping gang,’ which he claimed to be the police.
“The former governor further stated that Jafaru was remanded in prison custody by a magistrate without any police First Information Report or charges by the State Ministry of Justice.
The police department insisted that its actions were guided by the law and due process.
Hassan highlighted that the police have the constitutional authority to arrest and investigate anybody accused of committing an offence.
“To put the records straight, there is no kidnapping gang within the Nigerian Police Force. The Nigerian Police, as an institution, is created by the 1999 Constitution. The statutes mandate the police to maintain law and order.
“In the discharge of this constitutional duty, the police have the legal, legitimate, and constitutional right to arrest and investigate whoever is alleged or suspected to have committed an offence,” he added.
The police command advised the public, particularly those in positions of authority, to refrain from making frivolous and malicious allegations against security agencies.
Citizens should seek legal redress if they feel aggrieved, rather than making inflammatory comments that could polarise the public.
“Individuals, corporate organisations, government, etc. have the right to lodge a formal complaint to police, and the police have the mandate to investigate such allegations, and when it’s believed that an offence has been committed, such a matter may be prosecuted or referred to court.
The Command urges members of the public, particularly those who have held positions of authority, to exercise caution and refrain from making frivolous and malicious claims against any security service.
“We urge individuals to always verify allegations before making any public statements. Making unverified allegations against security agencies misleads the public and has the potential to undermine law enforcement agencies.
“Citizens are encouraged to seek legal redress if they feel aggrieved, rather than resort to inflammatory comments that will heat the polity,” the statement added.
