Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised alarm over what he described as a fresh plot to implicate him in criminal activities, alleging a coordinated effort to tarnish his reputation and prolong his detention.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai warned of “malicious orchestrations,” pointing to recent developments he said reflect a disturbing pattern.

He recalled an incident on February 12, 2026, when he was allegedly targeted for arrest upon arrival at the Abuja Airport from Cairo, describing it as an early indication of the challenges ahead.

El-Rufai further disclosed that he honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16, after which he was detained and subsequently transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on February 18.

The latest concern, according to his camp, stems from a report published on April 18 by The Nation, titled “El-Rufai’s trial: Gunmen invade principal witness home.” The report cited claims by a witness, Mohammed Umar Karage, who alleged that armed men invaded his residence.

While acknowledging the responsibility of citizens to report crimes, El-Rufai’s camp accused the newspaper of publishing what it termed “false imputations” and insinuations linking the incident to the former governor.

The report suggested the attack might be connected to the witness’s role in an ongoing case at the Kaduna State High Court, drawing comparisons with the disappearance of Kaduna-based activist, Abubakar Idris Dadiyata.

However, El-Rufai’s camp rejected the claims, describing the publication as a deliberate attempt to damage his image, undermine his pending bail application, and implicate him in serious offences.

“Any objective reader would recognise the clear intent behind these statements: to tarnish his reputation and justify his continued detention,” the statement said.

Maintaining his innocence, El-Rufai insisted he has no connection to the alleged incident and stated that his legal team has been directed to initiate defamation proceedings against the newspaper.

The statement also alleged that since 2023, the former governor has faced a sustained campaign of “innuendos and vilification,” despite what it described as his record of public service.

It warned against the misuse of legal processes, stressing that the rule of law must not be turned into a tool of oppression.

“El-Rufai should be accorded full due process guaranteed by law to every citizen, and the persistent disregard for his rights must cease immediately,” the statement added.