Entertainment Mogul Accuses Former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai of Orchestrating Abduction Over 2017 Tweet
Audu Maikori, founder of Chocolate City Entertainment, has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai organized his abduction in retaliation for a social media post, as the ex-governor faces mounting legal challenges.
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The founder of Chocolate City Entertainment Group, Audu Maikori, has accused former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of orchestrating his abduction following a controversial tweet posted in 2017. The allegations surface as El-Rufai marks his 66th birthday while in custody of Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Maikori detailed what he described as persecution by the former governor over a social media post that he later acknowledged as false and removed. According to The Whistler, Maikori stated that El-Rufai "organised for his abduction" in response to the tweet.
The entertainment executive's accusations add to a growing list of controversies surrounding El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State and maintained a reputation as one of Nigeria's most outspoken political figures. The allegations of personal persecution and organized abduction represent serious claims against a former state governor.
Background of the 2017 Incident
The dispute stems from a tweet Maikori posted in 2017 during his tenure as Chocolate City Entertainment chairman. While the specific content of the tweet has not been fully disclosed in recent reports, Maikori has acknowledged the post was inaccurate and subsequently deleted it.
According to Legit.ng, Maikori described experiencing a "troubling abduction experience" that he directly links to El-Rufai's administration. The entertainment mogul characterizes the response to his social media post as disproportionate and personally motivated rather than a legitimate law enforcement action.
The timing of these renewed allegations coincides with El-Rufai's current detention by the EFCC, suggesting potential coordination among critics of the former governor. Maikori's willingness to speak publicly about the alleged abduction may reflect a perceived shift in political dynamics following El-Rufai's exit from office.
El-Rufai's Current Legal Challenges
The former governor currently faces detention by Nigeria's anti-corruption agency on his 66th birthday. His son, Hon Bello El-Rufai, issued a public letter praising his father as "a courageous leader and the father of Modern Kaduna amid ongoing challenges," according to Legit.ng.
The EFCC detention represents the most significant legal challenge to El-Rufai since leaving office. The agency has not publicly disclosed the specific charges or investigation details, though El-Rufai's administration faced numerous allegations of financial impropriety during his eight-year tenure as governor.
Beyond the EFCC investigation, El-Rufai has become embroiled in controversy involving thallium sulphate, an extremely toxic chemical compound. Business Day reported on "the deadly chemical at the centre of El-Rufai–Ribadu controversy," describing thallium sulphate as "an extremely toxic chemical compound made from thallium, a heavy metal, and sulphate ions." The nature of this controversy and its connection to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu remains unclear from available reports.
Political Implications
The convergence of legal troubles, chemical-related controversies, and renewed allegations from past critics suggests El-Rufai faces a coordinated challenge to his political legacy. His supporters characterize the developments as politically motivated attacks, while critics view them as overdue accountability.
Maikori's decision to publicly revisit the 2017 incident after several years indicates confidence that his allegations will receive serious consideration. The entertainment executive's prominence in Nigeria's music industry gives his accusations significant public reach and credibility among younger Nigerians active on social media.
El-Rufai's tenure as Kaduna governor was marked by controversial policies, including mass layoffs of civil servants and aggressive responses to criticism. His administration's approach to security challenges in southern Kaduna generated particular controversy, with accusations of bias in handling communal conflicts.
The former governor has not publicly responded to Maikori's renewed allegations. His current detention by the EFCC may limit his ability to address the claims directly, though his legal representatives and political allies could issue statements on his behalf.
The outcome of the EFCC investigation and any potential charges will likely determine whether additional accusers come forward with allegations against El-Rufai's administration. For now, Maikori's claims add another dimension to the legal and political challenges facing one of Nigeria's most controversial former governors.