Ambassador-designate and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has reignited debate over the record of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, amid the controversy surrounding his recent encounter with security operatives in Abuja.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Omokri accused El-Rufai of alleged human rights violations, suppression of dissent, and politically motivated demolitions during his eight-year tenure as governor.
He referenced the case of Shiite leader Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, claiming the cleric was left in a “barbaric and pathetic state” under El-Rufai’s administration. Omokri further alleged that 347 Shiite Muslims were killed during the period, citing reports from official investigations, while noting that unofficial estimates placed the figure higher.
Omokri also highlighted cases involving critics and journalists, alleging arrests and intimidation. He cited the example of activist Audu Maikori, who reportedly fled Nigeria following his arrest.
Beyond human rights allegations, Omokri pointed to claims by the Kaduna State House of Assembly that El-Rufai was implicated in the alleged misappropriation of ₦423 billion during his tenure — an allegation the former governor has consistently denied.
“Nasir El-Rufai is not above the law or above arrest,” Omokri wrote, urging him to submit to due process rather than resist what he described as lawful investigation.
Airport Drama Adds Fuel to Debate
Omokri’s comments come days after a dramatic incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where El-Rufai reportedly resisted attempts by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to detain him upon arrival from Cairo.
Supporters of the former governor claim he declined to accompany security agents because no formal warrant or written invitation was presented. His legal team has described the seizure of his international passport as unlawful and a violation of constitutional rights.
Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement clarifying the circumstances of the incident.
As political tensions mount, Omokri insists that allegations surrounding El-Rufai’s tenure should not be overshadowed by current events, maintaining that accountability must take precedence over political rhetoric.
