Kaduna

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has petitioned the Police Service Commission (PSC), accusing officers of the Kaduna State Police Command of unprofessional conduct and violations of the Police Act. In the petition, El-Rufai stressed the importance of accountability in law enforcement, urging the PSC to act against misconduct that erodes public trust in the police. “I am writing out of concern that the Nigerian Police, warts and all, is the only frontline law enforcement institution that we have. The duty of all citizens is not only to support it at every level, but also to ensure that the Commission is provided opportunities to deliver on its regulatory powers to enforce discipline and promote sound and ethical conduct by all police officers at all times. Read Also: Reps Speaker Clarifies Position on Borrowing, Denies Criticizing Govt FCT Resident Doctors Begin Seven-Day Warning Strike Tinubu Sacks Special Assistant on Digital and Creative Economy “This laudable goal can only be attained if the Commission’s attention is continuously drawn to any egregious conduct of some bad eggs that serve interests other than those conferred by law in Section 4 of the Police Act, 2020. Such conduct negatively affects the image of the Police and undermines public confidence in its leadership,” he wrote. The former governor noted that he had previously petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what he described as “egregiously unlawful acts” allegedly committed by some officers since the assumption of office by Kaduna Police Commissioner, Rabiu Muhammad, on December 30, 2024. He urged the PSC to conduct an “immediate, impartial, and exhaustive” investigation into the matter. El-Rufai’s petition comes against the backdrop of a police summons requiring him and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna to appear before investigators over allegations of criminal conspiracy, incitement, mischief, public disturbance, and causing grievous harm. The invitation, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation, Zubairu Abdullahi, directed El-Rufai and others to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). “This Department is currently investigating the above-mentioned case involving the following members of your party. You are requested to come along with them to SCID to clarify allegations reported against them by the complainants on 8th September, 2025,” the letter stated. However, some ADC members claimed they were not officially served, insisting they only became aware of the summons through social media reports. The controversy followed violent clashes on August 30, when suspected thugs attacked the inauguration of a transition committee formed by a coalition of opposition parties under the ADC in Kaduna. Armed with cutlasses, clubs, and stones, the attackers injured participants and destroyed property, though the event eventually continued amid tension. The coalition, which includes an APC faction opposed to the state leadership as well as the PDP, SDP, NNPP, Labour Party, and ADC, accused the ruling party of sponsoring the violence. The Kaduna Police Command, however, blamed El-Rufai for failing to notify security agencies ahead of the gathering.

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that the damaged tracks on the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor will be restored within ten days. The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, gave the assurance on Monday after inspecting the ongoing repairs following the derailment of a passenger train on August 26. Alkali commended security agencies, railway staff, and other stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring the safety of passengers, workers, and train facilities since the incident. He said personnel of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) had been working round the clock to clear and repair the affected section of the track. Read Also: Malami’s Convoy Attacked in Kebbi “Let me start by thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support since the incident happened. He has given us the backing needed to move the locomotive and coaches and to fix the rail line so that operations can resume,” the minister said. According to him, the derailment occurred at a section of the track where two lines intersect, but he stressed that investigations are still ongoing to determine the actual cause. He noted that a technical team from the ministry, engineers from NRC, representatives of CCECC, civil rights organisations, and an investigative committee were all on site to ensure transparency in the process. Alkali disclosed that the affected locomotive was pulling eight coaches at the time of the incident. Four have so far been successfully removed from the scene, while efforts are underway to lift the remaining coaches and repair the damaged infrastructure. “In the next 48 hours, we will move all the remaining coaches from the site. If weather conditions permit, within the next 10 days we will restore the line,” he said. He added that the damaged portion covered about 150 meters, which would be fixed with new sleepers, pallets, and tracks to restore normal operations. On measures to prevent future derailments, the minister said the outcome of the investigation would guide necessary steps but assured Nigerians that government would do everything possible to avoid a recurrence.