Group Accuses Zamfara Gov, Dauda Lawal of Hiding Turji Bello, Other Notorious Bandits in Govt House

By Dansu Peter 

A coalition of civil society organizations, Situation Room on the War Against Banditry, has accused Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, of harbouring notorious bandits, including Turji Bello, in the government house, brazenly undermining efforts to restore peace to the region.

The group, at a press conference, said the notorious bandit leader, sought refuge in the government house after the military's offensive pushed him out of his hiding place. 

This allegation comes amidst growing concerns over the governor's relationship with bandits terrorizing the region.

In his address, convener Nwogu Ndubisi further criticized Governor Lawal's administration for allocating over N1.3 billion to bandits and media propagandists. 

Ndubisi argued that this funding has exacerbated the insecurity plaguing Zamfara State and its surrounding areas.

The group's accusations are further fuelled by Governor Lawal's reaction to the military's success in eliminating bandit kingpin Kachalla Halilu. 

Rather than standing in solidarity with the people of Zamfara, Lawal has been vocal about political oppositions, sparking concerns that he feels threatened by the military's progress.

“It is with heavy hearts that we address the recent developments surrounding Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal. Governor Lawal, currently under scrutiny in the court of public opinion, is accused of maintaining a dubious and potentially collusive relationship with the marauding bandits who have wreaked havoc on the region,”. Ndubisi said. 

“These disturbing claims have surfaced in light of his administration’s purported allocation of over N1.3 billion to bandits and media propagandists, which raises profound questions about the governor’s role in exacerbating the rampant insecurity plaguing Zamfara State and its surrounding areas.

“The timing of this breakthrough couldn't be more pivotal, coming hot on the heels of the Nigerian military's revitalized efforts to combat banditry under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Defence Minister Bello Matawalle's leadership. The recent operation yielded a monumental success - the elimination of notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Halilu  in Zamfara.  

“Before this daredevil bandit leader met his Waterloo, he enjoyed wide illicit connections and funding, had been kidnapping, killing, and terrorising citizens in Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger and Katsina states as well as other parts of the North-West zone. 

“His killing alongside 30 other bandits was greeted with jubilations in Zamfara and her neighboring states. This operation, a direct result of the Minister of Defence’s visit to energize and motivate the troops, is a tangible proof to the federal government’s steady  commitment to restoring peace to the North West.

“However, while many hailed this success as a turning point, one individual that appeared unsettled by these developments is none other than Dauda Lawal. Rather than standing in solidarity with the people of Zamfara and the brave troops risking their lives to rid the region of bandits, Governor Lawal’s reaction in being more vocal about political oppositions has raised eyebrows. 

“Could it be that the governor feels threatened by the military’s success in dismantling the very forces he is accused of enabling, and closing in on other bandit leaders within the state? We must ask ourselves: why does Dauda Lawal seem to be playing politics with the lives of his own people? 

“Perhaps the most alarming aspect of this unfolding drama is the recent expose that revealed the governor’s close ties to a notorious bandit leader, Turji Bello. According to reliable sources, when the military’s offensive pushed Turji Bello out of the forests where he had been hiding, he did not flee to safety or seek refuge among civilians, he allegedly took shelter in the Zamfara State Government House under the protection of Dauda Lawal’s administration. 

“This is a blatant betrayal of the people of Zamfara and a clear indication that the governor’s hands may not be clean. This alone raises serious questions about the role of the state government in the ongoing banditry.

“For weeks, Turji Bello remained in the Government House, a place meant to represent the highest level of governance and leadership, and not a sanctuary for criminals. It was only when fears mounted that the military might enter the Government House to apprehend him that he was reportedly moved to Kainji, in a local government area, in an effort to shield him from justice. This entire episode speaks volumes about the moral decay that has taken root in Zamfara’s leadership under Dauda Lawal’s watch.

“From all indications, We believe that Governor Lawal is attempting to deflect attention from his administration’s failure to address the banditry crisis by resorting to political grandstanding. Rather than taking responsibility for his actions, he has chosen to accuse others, shifting blame while innocent lives continue to be lost. “

The Situation Room on the War Against Banditry, therefore, called for Governor Lawal's resignation, citing his administration's failure to address the banditry crisis and alleged complicity in the suffering of the people. 

They urge the federal government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and relevant agencies to continue their efforts to bring peace to Zamfara and the North West region.

Ndubusi added: “The people of Zamfara deserve a leader who prioritizes their safety and security, not one who allegedly enables bandits and undermines the efforts of those committed to peace.

“The people of Zamfara deserve better. They deserve a leader who will confront the issues head-on, not one who plays politics with their safety and security.

We must also recognize the governor’s complicity in the suffering of his people. 

“His administration has failed at every turn to provide the necessary leadership and support to combat the bandits. Instead, there is growing evidence that he has used public funds of over N1.3 billion to prop up the very criminals responsible for the bloodshed in Zamfara. This is not only a gross misallocation of resources but a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the people. 

“How can Governor Lawal justify such spending when Zamfara’s schools remain closed, healthcare is in shambles, and basic infrastructure is crumbling? The answer lies in his priorities. The governor’s failure to address the banditry problem and his administration’s tacit support for these criminal elements have had devastating consequences for the people of Zamfara. 

“Innocent civilians are being killed, women and children are being abducted, and entire communities are living in fear. Meanwhile, Governor Lawal continues to enjoy the trappings of power, seemingly indifferent to the suffering around him.

“The current administration has alarmingly abandoned its moral principles, reneging on its sacred duty to serve the people who entrusted it with power. Governor Dauda Lawal must face scrutiny for his actions, both from the public and the judiciary. The time has come for him to answer the unanswered questions about his relationship with the bandits. Why has he allocated so much money to these criminals? Why has he allowed Turji Bello to find refuge in his government facilities? Why is he playing politics with the lives of the people? 

“It is high time for Governor Lawal to step aside. He has failed the people of Zamfara. He has failed Nigeria. His continued presence in office only serves to embolden the bandits and prolong the suffering of innocent civilians. If he truly cares about the people he claims to represent, he should resign immediately and allow a leader who will prioritize the safety and security of the region to take the seat of governance.

“The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has shown its commitment to eradicating banditry through decisive military action. The recent operations that resulted in the death of a major bandit leader and the flight of others, including Turji Bello, are evidence of the progress being made. But this progress must not be undermined by state-level actors who are more interested in protecting their political interests than safeguarding their citizens.  

“The people of Zamfara are not powerless. They have the right to demand answers from their leaders. They have the right to hold Governor Lawal accountable for his administration’s failures. And they have the right to expect that their government will not be complicit in the crimes that have torn apart their communities.”

EXPOSED: Sacked Minister, Betta Edu still oversees Humanitarian Ministry: her phantom resignation and shocking evidences

... A Disquieting Condolence: Pundits Flay Deposed Minister’s Use of Ministry Letterhead as Evidence of Her Covert Return

... The Likely Consequences for Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Campaign

By Dansu Peter 

The Covert Condolence: A Telltale Sign

In a move that has raised more than a few eyebrows, Betta Edu recently extended her condolences to the victims of the Jos school building collapse using the letterhead of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. This act, seemingly benign on the surface, carries profound implications. Edu’s use of the ministry’s official stationery suggests that she may have been quietly reinstated, bypassing the formal processes and public scrutiny.

The embattled minister, who remains officially suspended, appears to have sidestepped the rigors of the anti-graft investigation. On her X handle @edu_betta, Edu posted a screenshot of her condolence message, further solidifying suspicions of her continued influence. The statement reads in part: “Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the families, who have lost their loved ones and for the community enduring this devastating ordeal. In times like this, we find ourselves united in our shared grief and determination to support one another through this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace and may the injured receive swift and complete healing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and all those affected during this incredibly difficult time.”

Implications of  Using the Ministry’s Letterhead

Edu’s seemingly innocuous condolence message is laden with implications. It suggests a troubling reality where the boundaries of official capacity are blurred, allowing a suspended minister to operate with impunity. This undermines the very foundation of the anti-corruption efforts championed by Tinubu’s administration. If Edu can issue official communications, it raises questions about what other powers she may be wielding behind closed doors.

The use of the ministry’s letterhead is not merely symbolic; it is a potent demonstration of her lingering authority. It indicates that Edu’s influence has not waned and that her suspension may be more a matter of public relations than actual disciplinary action. This scenario casts a long shadow over the integrity of the ministry and the broader governmental framework.

A Ministry Under Siege

The impact on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is profound. An undercurrent of fear and uncertainty runs through the ranks as civil servants grapple with the possibility of Edu’s clandestine control. The ministry, once a beacon of hope for vulnerable Nigerians, now finds itself mired in suspicion and doubt.

Edu’s alleged shadow governance threatens to erode the morale of public servants, fostering an environment where corruption can thrive unchecked. The very foundations of public governance tremble at the thought of a minister who continues to pull strings from behind the scenes, casting a pall over the ministry’s operations.

Civil servants, who once looked to their leadership for guidance and direction, now operate in a climate of fear and suspicion. The alleged continued influence of Edu creates an atmosphere where every decision is second-guessed, and every action is scrutinized for signs of covert manipulation.

This pervasive doubt erodes the morale of dedicated public servants, fostering a culture where corruption can flourish. The ministry, once tasked with the noble mission of alleviating poverty and aiding the vulnerable, now grapples with its own internal battles. The specter of Edu’s influence looms large, threatening to derail its objectives and tarnish its reputation beyond repair.

The ramifications extend beyond the ministry itself. A precedent of covert operation and impunity could embolden other public officers to engage in corrupt practices, secure in the belief that they, too, can escape unscathed. This malaise, if left unchecked, could permeate government circuits, leading to a systemic breakdown in public accountability and governance.

The belief that one can engage in corrupt practices and later enjoy a soft landing erodes the trust in public institutions. It fosters a culture of impunity, where the powerful manipulate the system to their advantage, leaving the common citizen to bear the brunt of their actions.

Edu’s saga is a cautionary tale of how power, when wielded in the shadows, can corrupt absolutely. It underscores the fragility of the structures meant to safeguard against such abuses, revealing the ease with which they can be subverted.

A Shadowy Legacy

As the corridors of power reverberate with these allegations, the legacy of Betta Edu hangs like a spectral reminder of the perils of unchecked power. The ministry she once helmed now stands at a crossroads, its future uncertain, its mission jeopardized. The whispers grow louder, and the shadows deepen, casting doubt on the integrity of Nigeria’s governance and the resolve of its leaders to root out corruption once and for all.

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Edu’s influence, if still pervasive, presents a myriad of concerns for the current administration. It evokes an image of an invisible puppeteer, manipulating the strings of governance with subtle precision. This shadowy presence not only threatens to destabilize the ministry she once headed but also casts a dubious light on the incumbent administration’s commitment to clean governance. Pundits have begun to question the authenticity of the ongoing anti-corruption drive, suggesting that Edu’s continued influence could undermine the very essence of this campaign.

The scandal that led to her suspension is a case in point. The approval of a staggering N585.2 million into a private account not only highlights the extent of financial malfeasance but also reveals the cracks in the system meant to prevent such occurrences. It’s a tale of betrayal and greed, where public funds meant for the vulnerable were siphoned off with apparent ease. This incident, emblematic of Edu’s tenure, serves as a stark reminder of the potential for corruption within the highest echelons of power.

As the corridors of power reverberate with whispers of covert operations, the legacy of Betta Edu looms large. It is a legacy that challenges the integrity of Nigeria’s governance and tests the resolve of its leaders to root out corruption. The whispers grow louder, and the shadows deepen, casting doubt on the integrity of Nigeria’s governance and the resolve of its leaders to root out corruption once and for all.

Marwa's WADA Initiative Behind Our Success in Fighting Drug Abuse in Badagry - NDLEA Boss, Fingere

By Dansu Peter 

Commander CN Dinneys Owen Fingere, the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Special Area Command in Badagry, has attributed the command's significant success in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking to the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative spearheaded by Rt. Brig. Gen. Muhammed Buba Marwa, the agency's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Fingere disclosed this on June 26, 2024, at a press conference held at the command's office in Ibereko, following an awareness campaign rally against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in several major streets of Badagry to commemorate the 2024 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

According to the NDLEA boss in Badagry, the command has significantly reduced the supply of illicit drugs through its operations and interdictions. In the year under review, from June 26, 2023, to June 2024, the Badagry Command of the NDLEA apprehended a total of 194 suspects, of which 48 have been convicted, while others are still undergoing trials in various courts.

During the same period, Commander Fingeri reported the seizure of a total of 10,967 kg of cannabis, 0.98 kg of methamphetamine, 3.576 kg of tramadol, 2.06 kg of diazepam, and 0.3375 kg of other substances from suspects. He attributed these achievements to the WADA initiative of the agency's Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa.

"This year's theme is very apt to the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Muhammed Buba Marwa (rtd), OFR, CON, which focuses on drug abuse prevention, education, and advocacy—a non-kinetic approach to fighting drug abuse and trafficking. The accolades the agency is receiving both locally and internationally are testaments to the success of the WADA Initiative," the statement read in part.

Mr. Owen Fingere further explained that, through the WADA Initiative, the command in Badagry has taken the campaign, advocacy, and awareness to schools, churches, mosques, markets, government and traditional institutions, and Community Development Associations (CDAs). He also mentioned that the command had forged synergies with other security forces like the Nigerian Army, the Police Force, the DSS, the Nigerian Navy, and the Nigerian Airforce, among others, in a collaborative fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

The anti-drug abuse commander in Badagry asserted that the war against drug abuse is sacrosanct with zero tolerance. He praised the Federal Government and the Agency's Chairman for their unwavering support. He did not shy away from mentioning some of the challenges faced by the agency but stated that efforts are ongoing with the right authorities to resolve the issues.

Police Disobey Court Order, Storm Property With About 50 Armed Men, Harass, Intimidate Journalists

By Dansu Peter 

About fifty armed policemen invaded a residence in Maitama District of Abuja, to trying to forcefully gain entrance into a property in Maitama Distinct of Abuja

According to them, they were acting on the instruction of their superior, Mr Abiodun Alabi, a Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG. 

The policemen  were led by a DSP, forcefully trying to gain access to the property, despite being restricted by a court order

The court order restraining the police and the DSS from gaining access to the property was conspicously placed at the entrance of the gate of the property located at No 1, Mekong  Close. 

The Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Directorate of State Services were restrained from gaining access to a disputed property at 1, Mekong Close, Maitama District, Abuja. 

Justice S. B. Bawa of the High Court of Justice of Nasarawa State, who gave the order also extended it to a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Ms Asabe Waziri, the Commissioner of Police in FCT and the Commissioner of Police in charge of FCID, Aina Emmmanuel. 

The plaintiff in the suit, Abeh Signatures has been engaged in a battle with Waziri over the purchase of two flats in the property for over two years. 

The Waziri, the IGP, DSS, CP FCT and CP FCID were 1st to 5th defendants in the suit before the court.

Justice Bawa, after listening to counsel to Abeh Signatures, Barrister D. I. Oguamdinma, held, "That leave is hereby granted to the applicant restraining the 2nd to 4th Respondents either through their agents and and officers to Stay Further Action To wit-Maintain Status Quo ante bellum in respect to subject matter of the suit in relation to the Applicant until the determination of Motion on Notice. 

"That leave is hereby granted to the applicant restraining the 2nd to 5th Respondents jointly and severally from Further Inviting, Arresting And Detaining the Applicant’s Directors, staff and workers on the subject matter of this suit pending the determination of Motion on Notice."

The court fixed the hearing of the case to 3rd July, 2024.

Media men who were at the scene of the lawlessbess by the police were harassed and intimidated to leave. 

Also, a cameraman who was also there was threatened by the police team for doing his job. 

As at the time of this report, the team of policemen were seen harssing and intimidating everyone around. 

Court Stops Asabe Waziri, Police, DSS From Gaining Access To DisputedProperty

By Dansu Peter 

The Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Directorate of State Services have been restrained from gaining access to a disputed property at 1, Mekong Close, Maitama District, Abuja. 

Justice S. B. Bawa of the High Court of Justice of Nasarawa State, who gave the order also extended it to a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Ms Asabe Waziri, the Commissioner of Police in FCT and the Commissioner of Police in charge of FCID, Aina Emmmanuel. 

The plaintiff in the suit, Abeh Signatures has been engaged in a battle with Waziri over the purchase of two flats in the property for over two years. 

The Waziri, the IGP, DSS, CP FCT and CP FCID were 1st to 5th defendants in the suit before the court.

Justice Bawa, after listening to counsel to Abeh Signatures, Barrister D. I. Oguamdinma, held, "That leave is hereby granted to the applicant restraining the 2nd to 4th Respondents either through their agents and and officers to Stay Further Action To wit-Maintain Status Quo ante bellum in respect to subject matter of the suit in relation to the Applicant until the determination of Motion on Notice. 

"That leave is hereby granted to the applicant restraining the 2nd to 5th Respondents jointly and severally from Further Inviting, Arresting And Detaining the Applicant’s Directors, staff and workers on the subject matter of this suit pending the determination of Motion on Notice."

The court fixed the hearing of the case to 3rd July, 2024.

About two weeks ago, Senior Counsel to the properry firm, Barrister Victor Giwa had cried out over harrasment and intimidation by the police against him and other staff of the property company. 

Barriater Giwa, who was detained for five hours debunked news making round that he was detained for disobedience to court order and judgement of the court of appeal in the case involving Asabe Wazirri and Abeh signature Limited in appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/246/2022 regarding a property in Maitama.

The lawyer, after his release from the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID area 10 Abuja, said the reason for his detention by FCID Commissioner of Police, Mr Aina Emmanuel, the special Enquiry bureau (SIB) was because he was irritated by the letter from Giwa’s chamber. 

Victor Giwa  visited the senior police officers who had earlier sent some police officers into his client’s premises to arrest one of the staff of his company, Abeh Signature apartment.

Recall that Asabe Waziri, a staff of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has been in serious brawl with Abeh signature apartment, a property company that declined selling it flat to Asabe, for making payment over of over $40, 000 in cash. 

According to him, Asabe has been using some officers of the Nigeria police force to forcefully gained entrance and occupy the flats even against a direct and positive FCT High court’s Order  restraining Asabe Waziri from trespassing and entering into the premises.   

He said the property owner has exercised their right declined offer for purchase because of her misconduct.

Earlier in 2022 an FCT high court Abuja has in final judgement held that Asabe Waziri contract with the property company was validly terminated and ordered that all money paid, should be immediately refunded. Abeh signature in obedience to the court order issued a refund to Asabe, but Asabe has rejected the refund. 

The property has been in dispute since then as a result Asabe’s insistence in  claiming ownership of the flats and using security operative to forcefully take possession.

Unresolved Murder": IGP Sued Over Failure To Release Probe Report On Asabe Waziri

By Dansu Peter 

Fourteen years after police investigation, a civil society organisation, Global Integrity Crusade Network, Integrity, GICN, has dragged the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun before a Federal High Court in Abuja, over failure to release the probe report of an "unresolved murder" on ones Asabe Waziri, a staff of the Nigerian Natio al Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL. 

According to a petition to the IGP, dated May 2, 2024, Asabe was said to have intentionally hit a pregnant woman with her car. 

According to the petition, the police probed the incident but had failed since then to release its findings. 

In originating summons with suit number FHC/ABM/CS/742/2024, the, plaintiff prayed the court for an order of granting leaveto the applicant to apply for judicial review by way of Order of Mandamus compelling the Respondent to forthwith release to the Applicant based on the demand letter dated 2nd May, 2024 and attached hereto as EXHIBIT GICN 4 the FINAL INVESTIGATION REPORT of the case involving Asabe Waziri who intentionally hit a pregnant woman named Mrs. Shitua Aso, with her car in front of the FCT Police Command, Garki 2, Abuja, on or about 30th May, 2010. 

The suit dated May 29, 2024, sought a declaration that the failure, refusal and or neglect by the Respondent to release the information and documents requested for by the Applicant vide their letter to the Respondent dated 274 May, 2024amounts to a violation of Sections 4 and 5 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 and therefore unjustifiable, wrongful and illegal. 

The plaintiff also prayed the court to declare that that by a true interpretation of Section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 the Applicant being a Public Official cum custodian of information at Nigeria Police Force which is a Public Institution within the meaning of Section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 is obligated to furnish on request by the Applicant a comprehensive, just and fair information and documents as enumerated in their letter to the Respondent dated 2"¢May, 2024. 

In the suit, the plaintiff listed the following as facts in support of the grounds of the suit:

That Section 4 of the Police Act, 2020gives the Nigeria Police Force power for the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, preservation of law and order, the protection of life and property and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged; amongst other duties within or outside Nigeria. 

"On 2nd May, 2024 the Applicant wrote a letter to the Respondent requesting for acomprehensive and detailed FINAL INVESTIGATION REPORTof the case involving Asabe Waziri who intentionally hit a pregnant woman named Mrs. Shitua Aso with her car in front of the FCT Police Command, Garki 2, Abuja on 30 May, 2010. 

"Till date, the Respondent has failed, refused and or neglected to avail the Applicant access to the information and documents requested vide their letter dated 2"4 May, 2024 which was received at the office of the Respondent on 3" May, 2024. 

"The 7 (Seven) days within which the Respondent is required by Section 4 (a) of the Freedom of Information Act. 2011 to furnish the Applicant with the information and documents sought began to run from 4th May, 2024 and elapsed on 10 May, 2024. 

"However, the Respondent did not comply with Section 4 (b) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 by giving notice to the Applicant that access to all or part of the information sought will not be granted, stating reasons for the denial and the Section of the Act under which the denial is made. 

"Unless and until the Respondent is compelled by an Order of this Honourable Court, he will continue to refuse the Applicant access to the information and documents sought by them from the Respondent. 

"The failure, refusal and or neglect by the Respondent to give the Applicant access to the information and documents sought is unjustifiable, wrongful and illegal. 

"The Applicant is aggrieved and hereby applies that this Honourable Court invokes the provisions of Freedom of Information Act, 2011 particularly Section 1 (3) thereof by issuing a Writ of Mandamus compelling the Respondent to allow the Applicant access to the information and documents sought in their letter dated 2 4May, 2024submitted to the Respondent in line with his duty under Section".

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the matter