By Aza Msue, Nonye Ekwenugo, Tarkaa David
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has asked the minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, to ignore the demand of the family of former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to retract the allegation that he (El-Rufai) was behind the killings in Southern Kaduna during his tenure in office within seven days.
The forum told the minister that it has enough evidence to prove the claims.
The family of El-Rufai has given Gen. Musa seven days to provide evidence supporting his allegation that El-Rufai planned the killings in Southern Kaduna or retract the claim.
The family also threatened to pursue legal action against the minister if he fails to substantiate the allegation or issue a public retraction and apology within the stipulated period.
In a statement issued yesterday by El-Rufai’s son and member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the family said it could not overlook what it described as a grave allegation made against their father during a live television programme.
Musa had on 3rd September, 2026, during an appearance on “Politics Today” on Channels Television, accused El-Rufai of actively planning killings in Southern Kaduna while he was governor of the state.
Reacting to El-Rufai’s family demand, MBF spokesman, Luka Binniyat, told the defence minister to stand by his words, describing Musa’s claims as true and honest.
He said, “The Middle Belt Forum is solidly behind the minister of defence over his recent allegations against Rufai. What the minister said is true, and we have enough evidence to support and back him. Therefore, the minister should stand by his words. He should not retract or apologise to anyone.”
In fact, El-Rufai is supposed to be facing charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over crimes against humanity. El-Rufai’s words, actions, or inaction have facilitated the mass killings in Southern Kaduna during his administration,” the forum stated.
Meanwhile, former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has threatened N10billion legal action against the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), over alleged defamatory remarks made during an appearance on Channels Television.
El-Rufai, in a formal letter of demand issued through his legal team, called for an immediate retraction, an unreserved apology, and the preservation of relevant evidence.
The letter, dated 7 September 2026, was issued by the Chambers of Ubong Akpan, acting on behalf of El-Rufai in Abuja. The legal action followed Musa’s appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on 3 September 2026, where he spoke about insecurity in Kaduna State and made several allegations concerning the former governor.
The Minister, Musa, kept silent as of press time.
His special assistant on media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, did not respond to messages or calls at the time of this report for comment on the development.
Musa was quoted in the letter as saying, “We can never be happy with somebody who has deliberately planned for the killing of our people.” He also allegedly said of El-Rufai, “He told us he paid bandits,” and claimed, “The next thing he sends is a bulldozer to bulldoze your house down. He’s done it.”
The lawyers complained about several statements allegedly made during the programme broadcast on 3 September 2026, including remarks concerning bandits, killings, demolitions, ransom payments and El-Rufai’s alleged conduct while serving as Governor of Kaduna State.
The solicitors described the statements as defamatory and said the broadcast remains accessible through terrestrial television, satellite television and online streaming platforms.
The lawyers gave the defence minister and his representatives 24 hours to acknowledge receipt and seven days to provide a substantive written response to the demands.
They stressed that El-Rufai reserves the right to pursue any legal remedies available to him if the matter is not resolved.
