The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has refuted claims that he accused President Bola Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State, of corruption during his tenure as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Ribadu’s response comes after allegations made by Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad, leader of Northern Star, in a viral TikTok video.
In the video, Muhammad criticized Ribadu for serving in Tinubu’s administration despite allegedly labeling him corrupt while heading the EFCC.
Describing the claims as baseless and malicious, Ribadu, through his lawyer, Dr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), has demanded a public apology and retraction within seven days.
In a formal letter, Ribadu stated that at no time—publicly or privately—did he accuse Tinubu, as well as Senators George Akume and Orji Uzor Kalu, of corruption.
The letter reads: “In your recording, you alleged that while serving as EFCC Chairman, our client named President Bola Tinubu, alongside Sen. George Akume and Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, as governors who stole the most from the public treasury. You further claimed that despite holding such a view, he has now become a staunch defender of the President, particularly in what you described as an attempt to silence opposition, citing the alleged arrest of Prof. Usman Yusuf as an example.”
“Privately or publicly, our client has never made such accusations against President Tinubu, Senator Akume, or Senator Kalu. These claims are completely false and came as a shock when they were brought to his attention.”
Ribadu challenged Muhammad to provide evidence supporting her allegations, warning that her statements could incite violence against him.
He further noted that the viral circulation of the claims on social media was intended to damage his reputation.
“Your remarks were not only false but also designed to bring our client into public ridicule, scorn, and disgrace. The fact that you deliberately posted them on social media, where they have since gone viral, shows your intent to tarnish his image.”
To mitigate the damage, Ribadu has demanded that Muhammad retract her statements and issue a public apology in at least five national newspapers within seven days.
