The Kaduna State Police Command has responded to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s claim that his former commissioner was abducted by a “kidnapping gang,” asserting that no such group exists within the Nigerian Police Force.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, the police addressed the former governor’s claim, which he made on his X handle. According to El-Rufai, his former Commissioner, Malam Jafaru Sani, was “abducted” by what he described as “Uba Sani’s kidnapping gang,” referring to the police.
“The Nigerian Police as an institution is created by the 1999 Constitution. The statutes mandate the Police to maintain law and order,” the police stated, urging El-Rufai to verify allegations before making public statements.
“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 statement read.
Clarifying the situation, the police insisted that no such gang exists within the force.
“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.”
The statement further explained that the police have the legal and constitutional authority to arrest and investigate individuals suspected of committing offences.
“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.
“Individuals, corporate organisations, and government bodies have the right to lodge a formal complaint to the police, and the police have the mandate to investigate such allegations. When it is believed that an offence has been committed, such matters will be prosecuted or referred to court,” the police stated.
The Command called on the public, particularly those who have held positions of authority, to exercise caution and avoid making frivolous or malicious allegations against security agencies.
“We urge individuals to always verify allegations before making any public statements. Making unverified allegations against security agencies not only misleads the public but also 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 up the polity,” the statement added.
