El-Rufai Blasts Ribadu Over Naja’atu Allegations in Viral Video

El-Rufai responds strongly to Nuhu Ribadu’s comments about Naja’atu Ibrahim in a viral video, claiming Ribadu is suffering from amnesia.

The controversy originated from a viral TikTok video where Hajia Muhammad accused Ribadu of participating in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, despite allegedly criticizing him during his time as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In response, Ribadu, via his lawyer Dr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, called for a public apology and retraction, asserting that he has never held such a viewpoint either publicly or privately.

He stressed that the harm to their reputation from the allegations was immeasurable.

In your recording’s text [reproduced and translated above], it is evident that you claimed our client, during his tenure as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), allegedly identified President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, followed by Senator George Akume and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu [all former governors in that order], as the Nigerian governors who misappropriated the most from public funds.

You mentioned that today, our client—who once had negative views about President Tinubu—has now become one of his most fervent supporters. This change is particularly evident in relation to the government’s purported agenda to suppress dissenting voices, as illustrated by the alleged arrest of Prof. Usman Yusuf.

In the letter dated February 4, 2025, Dr. Raji wrote: “You further claimed that our client’s purported shift in attitude toward President Tinubu indicates he has either turned into a liar or was lying when he allegedly labeled President Tinubu, Sen. Akume, Sen. Kalu and other governors as thieves.”

Muhammad stood firm in her position, stating she saw no need to offer an apology since the evidence supported her claim.

In response, El-Rufai supported Muhammad and mocked Ribadu by remarking, “Nuhu must be suffering from serious amnesia.”

Amnesia is the condition characterized by the loss of memories, encompassing facts, information, and experiences.

The Senate’s records of proceedings will verify that Nuhu made those statements at some point in 2006. Additionally, the Daily Trust report from February 2007 reaffirms the core message of these statements.

The findings from the Federal Executive Council in 2006, which can be obtained via a subpoena from the Cabinet Secretariat of the SGF’s office, include these allegations. During that particular Special FEC meeting where I was present as a member, Nuhu’s EFCC made similar accusations against several current officials at some point in 2006.

These Council Conclusions will eliminate any remaining doubts.

“This serves as a record and a reminder to those with flexible morals that there comes a time in our nation’s history when remaining silent is no longer virtuous.”