Debate intensifies over statements made by National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, concerning allegations of corruption against President Bola Tinubu during Ribadu’s tenure as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Ribadu, through his legal representative, has vehemently denied ever making such accusations, sparking a significant backlash and a call for a public apology from Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad, a former Commissioner at the Police Service Commission.
The controversy was reignited after Muhammad released a video on TikTok, where she accused Ribadu of hypocrisy, claiming he once criticized Tinubu for corruption but now serves under his administration. In the video, she suggested that Ribadu’s change in stance either means he was lying back then or is lying now.
In response, Ribadu’s lawyer, Dr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, issued a letter on February 4, 2025, demanding that Muhammad retract her statements and apologize publicly for the defamation. The letter highlighted the unquantifiable damage caused by the video, where Muhammad was quoted as saying that Ribadu had named Tinubu, alongside Senators George Akume and Orji Uzor Kalu, as some of the most corrupt governors during his time at the EFCC. The accusations also included claims that Ribadu is now defending the same individuals he previously criticized, hinting at a possible government agenda to silence dissent.
Despite the demand for an apology, Muhammad has stood firm, arguing that the records of Ribadu’s statements exist and are verifiable. She has refused to retract her comments, maintaining her position on the matter.
Adding fuel to the fire, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, who served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the period in question, has accused Ribadu of suffering from amnesia. El-Rufai insists that Ribadu did indeed make these accusations, referencing Senate proceedings and Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings from 2006 where similar claims were made by Ribadu’s EFCC. El-Rufai pointed out that records from these meetings could be subpoenaed to confirm his assertions. He also criticized the moral flexibility of those who remain silent in the face of such controversies, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
El-Rufai’s comments were reported in the Daily Trust newspaper, further highlighting the historical context of Ribadu’s comments and reinforcing the narrative that Ribadu’s denials might not align with documented history.
This ongoing feud not only questions Ribadu’s integrity but also casts a shadow over the current administration’s efforts to combat corruption, given the historical context and the personalities involved. The situation underscores the complexities of political allegiances and the enduring impact of past statements in the political arena of Nigeria.
