Middle Belt Forum Urges Probe of El-Rufai, Backs Defence Minister

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has thrown its weight behind Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), insisting he should not apologise to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over recent allegations.

At a press conference in Kaduna, MBF National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, called for an independent investigation into alleged killings and payments to bandits during El-Rufai’s tenure, stressing that if found culpable, the former governor should face prosecution for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court.

The controversy stems from Musa’s remarks on Channels Television, where he accused El-Rufai of deliberately enabling violence and admitted payments to bandits.

El-Rufai has since denied the claims, demanding a public apology and N10bn compensation.Rejecting the demand, MBF argued that Musa’s comments reflected the lived experiences of Southern Kaduna communities.

Binniyat cited incidents including the 2016 arrest of Goska’s District Head, the dethronement of B’Gwam Kurama, Dr Ishaku Sabo Damina, and the detention of Adara leaders during the Kajuru crisis.

He also recalled inflammatory statements by El-Rufai over casualty figures in 2019.The forum further accused the former administration of mishandling communal crises, imposing prolonged curfews, dismissing workers, and demolishing homes. It demanded a review of unresolved killings, including the 2018 murder of Agwom Adara, Dr Raphael Maiwada Galadima.

“The MBF believes El-Rufai should be charged with crimes against humanity and handed over to the ICC for proper prosecution,” Binniyat declared.

The forum reaffirmed its solidarity with Musa, insisting that accountability for violence in Kaduna remains critical to justice and peace in the Middle Belt.

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