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Banditry: Dauda Lawal and The Doctrine of Res Ipsa Loquitur

Published

2 years ago

September 6, 2024

By Ali Mohammed

The latest exposes surrounding Governor Dauda Lawal’s purported complicity in financing banditry in Zamfara State have sparked widespread astonishment and demands for clarity. Presently, Zamfara State is grappling with an unprecedented surge in banditry and insurgency, with communities being increasingly besieged, and Governor Lawal’s actions and decisions have come under intense scrutiny.

The governor’s alleged entanglement in funding banditry, ostensibly to perpetuate his interests in illicit mining operations, raises fundamental questions about governance, ethical standards, and accountability. Governor Lawal, who initially vowed to adopt a hardline stance against bandits, appears to have reneged on his promise by engaging in a contentious scheme involving substantial financial transactions with bandit leaders.

Recent revelations indicate that Governor Lawal has allegedly allocated over N1.3 billion to bandits and media propagandists, a move that starkly contradicts his earlier avowed commitment to combating terrorism and criminality.

The list of recipients and the substantial amounts they received has shamefully become public knowledge, further exacerbating concerns about Governor Lawal’s credibility and commitment to the welfare of Zamfara State citizens.

The leaked documents, bearing the requisite signatures for authentication, have exposed startling financial transactions to various individuals and entities, including:

Notoriously infamous bandit kingpins, who received substantial sums:

Kachalla Dogo Gide (N200 million), Bello Turji (N200 million), Ado Alero (N200 million), Kachalla Halilu Sububu (N150 million), Gwaska Dan Karami (N150 million)

Additionally, significant payments were made to media promoters, ostensibly for propaganda purposes:

Sahara Reporters (N100 million), Jackson Ude (N158 million), Bashir Hadejia (N100 million), Shuaibu Mungadi (N50 million), Tijjani Lamaran (N50 million), Danbilki Kwamanda (N20 million)

These startling revelations have sparked profound apprehensions regarding the misappropriation of public funds and potential collusion in perpetuating insecurity, thereby fueling widespread despondency among citizens.

The recipients of these payments are notorious individuals who have openly avowed to destabilize Nigeria, reveling in the chaos and destruction they sow. Their actions have led to the senseless slaughter of countless innocent Nigerians, leaving trails of devastation and shattered dreams. The very fact that public funds have been allocated to these malevolent actors has crippled the nation’s collective aspirations, inflicting irreparable damage on the psyche of the citizenry.

These individuals embody the quintessence of economic sabotage, perpetuating an era of economic woe characterized by plunder, exploitation, and unbridled violence. The alleged payments to infamous bandit kingpins, notably Kachalla Dogo Gide and Bello Turji, as well as various media personalities, are deeply disturbing and raise fundamental questions about governance and accountability.

Reports suggest that these transactions are aimed to secure access to Zamfara State’s lucrative gold deposits, which have become a catalyst for violence and exploitation. Most troubling is the temporal correlation between these payments and the surge in attacks on communities rich in gold deposits, implying a causal link between financial transactions and escalated violence.

The principle of res ipsa loquitur, which translates to “the thing speaks for itself,” can be instrumental in assessing the situation at hand. This legal doctrine implies that the evidence of wrongdoing is so apparent that it speaks for itself, without needing extensive additional proof. In the case of Governor Lawal, several factors invoke this doctrine:

Nature of the Payments: The direct allocation of funds to bandit leaders, purportedly for their cooperation and continued operations, presents a clear and alarming picture. Such payments suggest an implicit acknowledgment of their influence and power, and an unsettling endorsement of their activities. The funds transferred to these terrorists were done solely at the discretion of Governor Lawal. These mode of transactions suggest a deliberate attempt to conceal the true intentions behind these payments.

Increase in Attacks: The correlation between the payments made to bandits and the uptick in violent attacks on communities, particularly those with gold deposits, reinforces the suspicion that these funds may have incentivized further violence. The timing of these attacks in the aftermath of the financial transactions amplifies the notion that the payments had a direct impact on the escalation of violence.

Lack of Transparency and Oversight: The funds were reportedly transferred without the involvement of the Zamfara State House of Assembly or any formal approval processes, highlighting a glaring lack of oversight and accountability. There is nowhere in the approval that states that this criminal enterprise was undertaken with neighbouring states or the federal government. The absence of procedural transparency further compounds the suspicion of illicit motives behind these transactions.

Media Transactions: The allocation of significant amounts to media figures and organizations, such as Sahara Reporters and Jackson Ude, raises questions about the intent behind these payments. The possible use of media platforms to propagate bandit-friendly narratives or deflect attention from the governor’s actions could be viewed as a strategic move to manipulate public perception and obscure the truth.

The lingering inquiry that demands attention is: Does Governor Dauda Lawal harbor complicity in the scourge of banditry? A meticulous examination of the available evidence appears to indicate a disturbing nexus between Lawal and notorious bandit leaders, coupled with the clandestine role of his media aides in disseminating terrorist propaganda, specifically targeting opposition party leaders and artfully shifting blame onto preceding administrations.

The recent document exposing allocations from the state security Trust Fund account to bandit leaders serves as a damning addition to the mounting body of evidence.

Cumulatively, these incriminating circumstances constitute prima facie evidence implicating Governor Lawal in the sponsorship of banditry, warranting rigorous scrutiny and accountability. Governor Dauda Lawal’s deafening silence in the face of these grave allegations is profoundly troubling, fostering an atmosphere of suspicion and skepticism.

The glaring absence of a clear, convincing explanation or defense from the governor’s office only serves to intensify the perception of culpability, eroding public trust and confidence in his administration. In a democratic polity, such silence can be construed as an implicit acknowledgment of guilt or, at the very least, an unwillingness to confront the grave concerns and serious allegations raised by these revelations.

Considering the far-reaching consequences of these actions on the security and stability of Zamfara State and, by extension, Nigeria, a comprehensive and impartial investigation into Governor Lawal’s dealings is imperative. The available evidence unequivocally indicates a necessity for intensified scrutiny and accountability, as the governor’s alleged actions, if substantiated, constitute a egregious breach of public trust and a grave dereliction of duty in addressing the pervasive banditry crisis.

The allegations leveled against Governor Dauda Lawal, particularly the assertion that he disbursed substantial sums to notorious bandit leaders and media personalities, demand rigorous and unflinching investigation. Governor Lawal’s actions, as alleged, provide a disturbing framework for understanding the gravity of the situation, predicated on verifiable facts and the alarming correlation between the payments and the ensuing escalation of violence.

The severity of these allegations necessitates an exhaustive probe, unhindered by political considerations or institutional obstacles, to unearth the truth and ensure accountability. Self-evidently, the facts speak for themselves, and no prophetic insight is required to discern Governor Lawal’s complicity in perpetuating insecurity.

The overwhelming evidence implicating Governor Dauda Lawal in the financing of banditry in Zamfara State is nothing short of staggering. His conspicuous silence and lack of transparency only serve to exacerbate suspicions, further solidifying the perception of complicity.

As the doctrine of res ipsa loquitor aptly suggests, the circumstances surrounding Governor Lawal’s actions speak for themselves, undeniably pointing to culpability, and right now, the time for accountability and consequences has arrived. To move forward, it would be a prudent step if anti-graft agencies swiftly investigated and verified the transactions outlined in the document, froze all accounts linked to the listed beneficiaries, and prosecuted the recipients for terrorism financing.

As this situation continues to unfold, it is important that Mr President issues an Executive Order prioritizing transparency and accountability. This order should facilitate the swift identification and prosecution of all individuals connected to insecurity in Zamfara State and the North-West, eradicating terrorism from the region. Moreover, those responsible for perpetuating violence and undermining state integrity must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

Governor Dauda Lawal’s thunderous silence is increasingly intolerable, and the people of Zamfara State, indeed all Nigerians, deserve straightforward and honest explanations. It Is crucial that he provides a credible and convincing account, far surpassing the simplistic and unsubstantiated childish narratives that have thus far been offered by his aides.

In light of the doctrine of res ipsa loquitor, which dictates that the circumstances themselves establish culpability, it is reasonable to conclude that Governor Lawal, by virtue of his position as the chief executive of Zamfara State, possesses critical information regarding the masterminds behind the banditry plaguing the North-West.

In essence, Governor Lawal’s proximity to the crisis and his constitutional responsibility to ensure public safety obligate him to disclose the truth, furnishing the public with a comprehensive understanding of the forces driving this insecurity. Nigerians are waiting to hear from him.

Mohammed is a security expert based in Gusau.

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Kwara celebrates Fela’s legacy with retrospective exhibition

Published

1 day ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.

The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.

“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.

“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.

The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.

The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.

AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.

He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.

“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.

According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.

“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.

“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.

In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.

“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”

The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.

She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.

“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.

“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.

“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”

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2027: Ilorin West LG Boss Leads APC Mega Rally In Ubandawaki

Published

1 day ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

•••Says Ward stands with APC

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.

Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.

The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.

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KW-IRS Staff Threaten Strike Over Alleged Poor Remuneration

Published

7 days ago

October 21, 2026

Our Reporter

Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.

In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.

The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.

“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”

The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.

It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”

According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.

The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.

Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.

It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.

Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.

“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.

It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:

“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members

“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.

“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.

“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.

“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.

“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”