El-Rufai Sues Defence Minister Musa Over Alleged Defamatory Remarks on TV

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has threatened legal action against the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), over alleged defamatory statements made during a television programme.

In a formal letter dated September 7, 2026, lawyers to El-Rufai accused the Defence Minister of making a series of allegedly defamatory remarks about their client during an appearance on Channels Television’s current affairs programme, Politics Today, on September 3.

The letter, issued by The Chambers of Ubong Akpan, described itself as a formal letter of claim and stated that it was intended to give Musa an opportunity to remedy the alleged harm while preserving evidence that could be required in subsequent legal proceedings.

According to the lawyers, El-Rufai instructed them to act on his behalf following Musa’s appearance on the programme, which they said was broadcast nationally and internationally.

The lawyers listed several statements attributed to the Defence Minister which they contend were defamatory of the former Kaduna governor.

Among the remarks quoted in the letter were allegations that El-Rufai had “deliberately planned for the killing of our people,” as well as references to alleged killings and actions attributed to him.

Another statement quoted in the letter accused El-Rufai of being responsible for what the minister described as actions against people, including in Kaduna.

The lawyers also quoted Musa as saying: “The next thing he sends a bulldozer to bulldoze your house down. He’s done it.”

The letter further reproduced remarks in which the minister allegedly described El-Rufai as arrogant and referred to his speeches and conduct.

The legal representatives maintained that the statements complained of were defamatory and warned that the letter was issued without prejudice to any right, remedy or cause of action available to their client.

The letter, addressed to General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), at the Federal Ministry of Defence in Abuja, was acknowledged by the Ministry of Defence on September 7, according to the copy obtained.

The lawyers specifically requested that all correspondence concerning the matter be directed to their chambers rather than to El-Rufai personally.

The letter is titled: “Re: Defamatory Statements Made by You on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on 3 September 2026, Letter Before Action Claims  Retraction, Apology, Preservation of Evidence and Compensation.”

The development sets the stage for a potential legal battle between the former Kaduna governor and the Defence Minister over comments made during the televised programme.