Some constituents of Kaduna North Federal Constituency have petitioned the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over an allegation of cocaine use involving their representative in the House of Representatives, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai.
The petition, dated September 8, was signed by Abubakar Hayatu of Kabala Ward and Musa Tukur of Unguwar Gaji Ward.
It followed an allegation made on social media on August 29 by Bashir El-Rufai, the lawmaker’s brother.
The allegation, which has been reported by several media organisations, has not been independently verified.
In the petition addressed to NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, the constituents asked the agency to assess the allegation and determine whether there were grounds for a lawful investigation.
They said they were not asking the agency to presume the lawmaker’s guilt or subject him to a compulsory drug test without legal basis.
“We respectfully bring to the Agency’s attention a serious allegation publicly attributed on 29 August 2026 to Bashir El-Rufai against his biological brother of the same father and mother, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the Member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency,” the petition said.
“The allegation includes alleged cocaine use. It has been reported by multiple media organisations and circulated widely online. We attach the materials available to us for the Agency’s independent assessment.”
The petitioners said they were not presenting the allegation as established fact and acknowledged Mr El-Rufai’s right to privacy and the constitutional presumption of innocence.
They, however, argued that the allegation should not be dismissed as a private family dispute because it concerned a serving federal legislator and could, if established, have implications under Nigeria’s drug-control laws.
“Our concern is that an allegation of cocaine use involving a serving federal legislator cannot properly be disposed of merely by describing the controversy as a private family affair,” they said.
The constituents cited Sections 3 and 4 of the NDLEA Act, which they said provide the agency with responsibilities for enforcing Nigeria’s drug laws and investigating suspected offences.
They asked the agency to assess the information, determine whether there were lawful grounds for investigation and take appropriate steps if necessary.
They also requested that the NDLEA communicate the administrative outcome of the petition where practicable.
The petition included an evidence bundle containing public statements, media reports, indexed exhibits, preserved screenshots and SHA-256 references.
A courier record attached to the documents indicated that the petition was sent through UPS and bore an NDLEA receiving stamp dated September 8.
