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In a statement released on Monday, the Kaduna Victims’ Coalition, which said it represents “countless individuals, families and communities” who endured years of hardship, fear and loss under the former governor’s tenure, called for full accountability.
Kaduna Victims’ Coalition, a coalition of survivors and families of victims of alleged abuses during the administration of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has demanded justice for victims of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, arbitrary abductions, reprisal violence, and other human rights abuses allegedly committed by the former governor between 2015 and 2023.
In a statement released on Monday, the Kaduna Victims’ Coalition, which said it represents “countless individuals, families and communities” who endured years of hardship, fear and loss under the former governor’s tenure, called for full accountability.
The statement was signed by several individuals and organisations, namely Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, Audu Maikori, Gloria Ballason, Steven Kefas, Luka Binniyat, Midat Joseph, Segun Onibiyo, House of Justice, Community Development & Rights Advocacy Foundation, Resilient Aid and Dialogue Initiative, Southern Kaduna Indigenously, Progressive Forum (SKIPFo), and Atrocities Watch Africa.
“We speak today as representatives of countless individuals, families, and communities who endured eight years of profound hardship, terror, fear, and loss under the governorship of Nasir el-Rufai in Kaduna State (2015–2023),” the coalition said.
“Our coalition includes citizens from all walks of life: community and business leaders, serving and retired public servants, traditional rulers, faith leaders, academics, journalists, lawyers, and other professionals.”
Among the cases highlighted is the abduction and killing of HRH Dr. Maiwada Raphael Galadima, the Agwam Adara, who was kidnapped in October 2018 and later murdered despite payment of ransom.
“His killing occurred amid efforts to restructure traditional institutions, including the controversial conversion of the chiefdom into an emirate structure, deepening ethnic and communal tensions,” the coalition said.
“Till date, the suspects arrested for the murder of Agwam Adara are yet to be successfully prosecuted, and their whereabouts cannot be ascertained.”
The group also referenced the disappearance of Abubakar Idris, widely known as Dadiyata, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsenma and social media commentator.
Idris was abducted from his residence in Barnawa, Kaduna, on August 2, 2019, and has not been seen since.
“He has remained missing, effectively disappeared for nearly seven years. August 2026 will mark the seventh anniversary of his abduction and trigger the statutory presumption of death under Nigerian law,” the coalition said.
The coalition further cited a December 23, 2019, social media post by Bashir el-Rufai, son of the former governor, which it described as dismissive of calls for Idris’ safe return.
The coalition accused the former administration of presiding over what it described as a pattern of indiscriminate actions, including persecution of critics, unlawful demolitions of homes, mass dismissals of workers without due process, forced sackings by employers of perceived opponents, and the displacement of citizens into exile.
“During his tenure, Nasir el-Rufai presided over a pattern of indiscriminate actions: arbitrary abductions, persecution of critics, reprisal violence, unlawful demolitions of homes, mass dismissals of workers without due process, forced sackings by employers of perceived opponents, and the displacement of citizens into exile,” the coalition said.
“These acts bypassed constitutional safeguards and Nigerian law, turning gubernatorial immunity into unchecked impunity.”
The coalition also expressed concern over recent attempts to portray El-Rufai as a champion of due process and human rights, “while survivors and families continue to seek truth and justice.”
The coalition demanded accountability under the rule of law, including independent investigations, prosecutions where evidence warrants, and closure for victims and their families.
“On behalf of ourselves, and in solemn memory of those killed or disappeared who cannot speak, we have a moral and civic duty to bear witness,” the coalition stated.
“Our sole demand is accountability under the rule of law: thorough, independent investigations; prosecutions where evidence warrants; and closure for traumatized victims and families.
“By pursuing justice, we aim to prevent future suffering and uphold the dignity of all Nigerians. We stand ready to cooperate fully with all relevant law enforcement agencies, judicial bodies, and human rights institutions in Nigeria.
“We will provide testimonies, evidence, and any material assistance to support inquiries and ensure those responsible for crimes face due process.”
