Audu Maikori Alleges Persecution by Ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai Over Deleted Tweet
Veteran entertainment executive Audu Maikori, Founder and Chairman of Chocolate City Entertainment Group, has accused former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of targeting him over a tweet he later admitted was inaccurate and deleted.
The allegation was made during an interview on Prime Time, aired on Arise Television, on Monday. Maikori distinguished between prosecution and persecution, describing the state government’s actions as excessive and personally targeted.
“El-Rufai persecuted me for a wrong tweet I acknowledged and took down. He organised for me to be abducted,” Maikori alleged, adding that his driver later confessed to providing false information that had triggered the initial reaction.
He further claimed that after being released by the police, efforts were allegedly made to link his tweet to unrelated incidents, including a tragic event that resulted in seven deaths.
“A governor shouldn’t do the job of the police… I was let go by the police, and the next weekend, El-Rufai was trying to link my tweet with the possible death of seven people,” Maikori said.
El-Rufai is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over separate financial allegations.
Opinion: The Fine Line Between Accountability and Persecution
Maikori’s claims raise broader questions about freedom of expression, governance, and the limits of executive power. In democratic societies, criticism — even when based on inaccurate information — is usually addressed through transparent legal procedures rather than personal targeting.
While public figures must take responsibility for their statements, the response should be proportionate and guided by law. Allegations of abduction and attempts to link minor infractions to major tragedies, if true, suggest abuse of authority that undermines trust in institutions.
At the same time, this controversy highlights the risks faced by journalists, entrepreneurs, and influencers in environments where political power is concentrated. The distinction between prosecution for wrongdoing and persecution for perceived disloyalty or embarrassment is crucial for the protection of civil liberties.
For Nigerians and observers, the takeaway is clear: governance must balance accountability with fairness, ensuring that legal actions serve justice, not personal vendettas. Safeguarding the space for expression while respecting laws is essential for a healthy democracy — and public figures like Maikori become the face of these ongoing struggles.
