Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Special Prosecutor Kyle Nayback filed a second amended complaint Feb. 2 in Navajo Nation District Court alleging six violations of the Navajo Nation Ethics in Government Law by President Buu Nygren during the budget process and related personnel actions.
The second amended complaint states in fall 2025, Nygren pressured the Navajo Nation Controller Sean McCabe to authorize transfers of restricted funds into the Office of the President and Vice President’s operating budget without proper legal authority. When the controller declined, citing legal and budgetary restrictions, the complaint says the controller was terminated and replaced by an individual who subsequently approved the questioned fund transfers.
Nayback issued the following statement on Feb. 3:
“The integrity of the Navajo Nation government and its lawful fiscal processes is the lifeblood of the Navajo People. The formal Ethics Complaint filed yesterday alleges serious violations from the budget process and related personnel decisions. I am committed to addressing these allegations fairly through the judicial process.
According to the filing, those actions resulted in improper reallocation of funds for other purposes, without prior federal approval. It further alleges the conduct eroded governmental integrity, lawful fiscal controls, and public confidence in the Navajo Nation government.
The Ethics Complaint asserts violations of 2 N.N.C. § 3744 (conduct reflecting credit upon the Navajo Nation government) and 2 N.N.C. § 3745(B) (misuse of public office and actions creating the appearance of impropriety). As authorized by Navajo Nation law, the special prosecutor seeks remedies that may include removal from office, disqualification from future public service, forfeiture of compensation, public reprimand, and restitution, subject to adjudication by the court.
The summons has been issued by the Navajo Nation District Court, to President Nygren of the complaint and requires a written response within 20 days of service.
The special prosecutor emphasizes that the filing of an ethics complaint is a legal allegation, not a finding of guilt. All respondents are entitled to due process, and the allegations will be addressed through the judicial process. This matter is pending litigation, the office of the special prosecutor will not comment further beyond the contents of the public court filings.”
