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Coalition Berates Zamfara Gov Dauda Lawal for Financing Banditry, Illegal Gold-Mining for Selfish Gains

Published

2 years ago

September 5, 2024

milcah

Calls for Arrest of Bandits’ Sponsors

A coalition, Centre Against Banditry and Terrorism (CABT), has condemned Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, for allegedly financing banditry and illegal gold-mining activities in the state for personal gain.

Speaking at a press conference, Executive Director, Yakubu Dauda, accused Governor Lawal of paying terrorists and subversive elements over N1.3 billion to sustain his profit from illegal mining activities.

Dauda revealed that the funds were paid to notorious terrorist kingpins, including Kachalla Dogo Gide, Kachalla Bello Turji, and Ado Alero, among others, to unleash more mayhem on communities with gold deposits.

The coalition demanded a full investigation into the sponsorship of terrorism in the North West, calling for the prosecution of all persons connected with the insecurity in Zamfara State and the North-West.

Dauda urged anti-graft agencies to confirm the transactions, freeze accounts associated with the beneficiaries, and put them on trial for terrorism financing.

“Contrary to the lies told in the approval, Governor Lawal’s main motive is to sustain his profit from illegal mining activities which is his sole business. The funds paid to the terrorists seem to have been for them to unleash more mayhem on communities with gold deposits especially since there has been an uptick in attacks in the aftermath of the payments,” the statement said.

“For context, the funds transferred to these terrorists were done solely at the discretion of Governor Lawal. There is nowhere in the approval that states that this criminal enterprise was undertaken with neighbouring states or the federal government.

“The expenditure of this amount for arming terrorists and mobilising subversion of the Nigerian state did not pass through the Zamfara State House of Assembly as well if only to secure its rubber stamp approval.

“It is worrisome that Governor Dauda Lawal and the Zamfara State Government have not cleared the air on this criminal payment to terrorists since the leak of that document. Governor Lawal’s silence is an acceptance of culpability.

“This must now attract consequences because the evil he perpetrated in Zamfara affects the whole of Nigeria.”

CABT praised the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Muhammad Bello Matawalle, for his efforts in reviewing the ongoing anti-banditry and counter-terrorism operations in the North-West region, expressing hope that the banditry problem would soon be addressed.

The group said his review of the ongoing anti-banditry and counter-terrorism operations in the North-West region has reassured us that the banditry problem will one day be a thing of the past.

“The Centre Against Banditry and Terrorism (CABT) terrorism can only end if we all join hands to take the war to the sponsors of the terrorist gangs. We demand a full investigation of those behind the sponsorship of terrorism in the North West,” the statement said.

“We expect that Mr President will issue an Executive Order to accelerate the naming and prosecution of all persons connected with the insecurity in Zamfara State and the North-West to rid that part of Nigeria of terrorism.

“We urge the anti-graft agencies to confirm the transactions in the document, freeze all accounts associated with the listed beneficiaries, and put the recipients on trial for terrorism financing.”

READ THE FULL TEXT BELOW

BEING THE TEXT OF A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 BY CENTRE AGAINST BANDITRY AND TERRORISM ON THE COLLAPSE OF THE SECURITY SITUATION IN THE NORTHWEST OF THE COUNTRY OCCASIONED BY THE REVELATION THAT THE GOVERNOR OF ZAMFARA STATE, DAUDA LAWAL, IS PAYING BANDITS AND OTHER SUBVERSIVE ELEMENTS TO UNDERMINE SECURITY IN THE REGION AND BY IMPLICATION ACROSS NIGERIA.

Protocols,

Gentlemen of the press, you must by now be familiar with a distributed released in the public domain showing the approval by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal that authorised payment of the sum of One Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million Naira (N1,378, 000,000) to terrorists, bandits and other subversive elements that are responsible for the insecurity, killings and kidnappings plaguing the north-west and other parts of Nigeria.

Contrary to the lies told in the approval, Governor Lawal’s main motive is to sustain his profit from illegal mining activities which is his sole business. The funds paid to the terrorists seem to have been for them to unleash more mayhem on communities with gold deposits especially since there has been an uptick in attacks in the aftermath of the payments.

For context, the funds transferred to these terrorists were done solely at the discretion of Governor Lawal. There is nowhere in the approval that states that this criminal enterprise was undertaken with neighbouring states or the federal government. The expenditure of this amount for arming terrorists and mobilising subversion of the Nigerian state did not pass through the Zamfara State House of Assembly as well if only to secure its rubber stamp approval.

Just to be clear, Governor Lawal paid the “BANDITS KINGPINS” as follows: (1.) Kachalla Dogo Gide = N200,000,000 (2.) Kachalla Bello Turji = N200,000,000 (3.) Ado Alero N200,000,000 (4.) Kachalla Halilu Sububu N150,000,000 and (5.) Gwaska Dan Karami N150,000,000.

He also paid subversive elements, who he described as “MEDIA PROMOTERS” as follows: (6.) Sahara Reporters N100,000,000 (7.) Jackson Ude = N158,000,000 (8.) Bashir Hadejia = N100,000,000 (9.) Shuaibu Mungadi = N50,000,000 (10.) Tijjani Lamaran N50,000,000 (11.) Danbilki Kwamanda = N20,000,000.

We want to note a few other things immediately. Firstly, the approval had this clause, “implement the project” which left us wondering. What project? The payment cannot be “the project” since the payment is meant to get the terrorists to commit to certain deliverables. What are these deliverables? Secondly, is the directive for the “state ministry of finance to release the said amount for distribution to the beneficiaries listed above as a matter of urgency.” Since this approval was from July 2, 2024, the funds have been disbursed to these criminals.

Kachalla Dogo Gide

Kachalla Dogo Gide is a vicious terror kingpin linked to the abduction of 137 students from elementary schools in Kaduna State sometime this year. He is also one of the suspected masterminds of the attack on a Kaduna-bound train and runs the biggest kidnap-for-ransom franchise in Nigeria.

Kachalla Bello Turji

Kachalla Bello Turji is a bloodthirsty notorious terrorist and bandit kingpin who has left a trail of death in the northwest. Turji led a bandit gang in the 2022 Zamfara massacres that killed hundreds of people including women and children.

Bashir Hadejia

Bashir Hadejia is in the custody of security agencies being investigated for allegedly masterminding the August 2024 #EndBadGoernanceInNigeria violent protest in the north of the country. Hadejia was arrested for treason, subversive activities against the Nigerian government, trans-border gun-running, heist and other transnational crimes.

Jackson Ude

United States-based fugitive, Jackson Ude, a self-acclaimed investigative journalist and promoter of the infamous blog pointblanknews.com, has been running pro-terrorist propaganda for the group. Known for regularly blackmailing and extorting, high profile Nigerians, Ude recently attempted to spin a narrative to exonerate Bashir Hadejia following the latter’s arrest.

Sahara Reporters (Omoyele Sowore)

Sahara Reporters’ publisher, Omoyele Sowore, is not new to controversial payments. He has been accused in the past of accepting funds from foreign interests to undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria. Sowore has become a permanent fixture on the ballot for presidential elections, a position he uses for leverage since he spins his arrests for subversive activities as a clamp down on the opposition.

These are brief profiles of some recipients of Governor Lawal’s N1.35 billion. These are persons who have declared it their life mission to bring Nigeria down. These are persons whose actions and activities have led to the spilling of the blood of innocent Nigerians. Payments to these persons have made citizens despondent.

It is worrisome that Governor Dauda Lawal and the Zamfara State Government have not cleared the air on this criminal payment to terrorists since the leak of that document. Governor Lawal’s silence is an acceptance of culpability. This must now attract consequences because the evil he perpetrated in Zamfara affects the whole of Nigeria.

We are only fortunate by the ray of hope offered by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Muhammad Bello Matawalle, through his visit to the Nigerian Army’s 8th Division Headquarters in Sokoto State. His review of the ongoing anti-banditry and counter-terrorism operations in the North-West region has reassured us that the banditry problem will one day be a thing of the past.

Gentlemen of the press, the Centre Against Banditry and Terrorism (CABT) terrorism can only end if we all join hands to take the war to the sponsors of the terrorist gangs. We demand a full investigation of those behind the sponsorship of terrorism in the North West.

We expect that Mr President will issue an Executive Order to accelerate the naming and prosecution of all persons connected with the insecurity in Zamfara State and the North-West to rid that part of Nigeria of terrorism.

We urge the anti-graft agencies to confirm the transactions in the document, freeze all accounts associated with the listed beneficiaries, and put the recipients on trial for terrorism financing.

Yakubu Dauda

Executive Director

News

Hon. Jafaaru Yakubu Demands Urgent Action on Taraba Road Collapse

Published

8 hours ago

September 17, 2026

Our Reporter

Hon. Jafaaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-China Friendship, has issued a strong call for immediate government intervention following the collapse of the Bali-Suntai Road in Taraba State. His appeal comes two years after the Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area collapsed, a tragedy that remains unresolved and continues to haunt residents. Yakubu stressed that the latest disaster is not just an infrastructure failure but a humanitarian crisis that threatens livelihoods, education, and commerce across the region.The Bali-Suntai Road, particularly around the Zagah axis in Bali LGA, was washed away after heavy rains, leaving more than 300 vehicles stranded. Among them were heavy-duty trucks loaded with goods, buses carrying passengers, and smaller vehicles attempting to navigate the route. The collapse has paralyzed transport services, cutting off communities and disrupting trade. For traders, the losses are mounting daily as perishable goods rot in transit, while transport operators face financial ruin from halted operations. Ordinary citizens, meanwhile, are left stranded, unable to access markets, schools, or health facilities.In reinforcing Yakubu’s appeal, Alh. Abdulhamid Kungana, Director General of Campaign for Hon. Jafaaru Yakubu’s 2027 House of Representatives bid, underscored the urgency of the crisis, describing it as a ticking time bomb for Taraba’s economy and social fabric. He noted that the collapse has left communities isolated and vulnerable, with economic activities grinding to a halt. His intervention added political weight to Yakubu’s voice, framing the issue not only as a matter of infrastructure but as a test of governance and leadership. By aligning with Yakubu’s call, Kungana’s campaign leadership amplified the demand for swift and decisive action, signaling that the plight of Taraba’s people must be treated as a national priority.Yakubu emphasized that infrastructure is the backbone of economic and social life, and without functioning roads and bridges, communities are isolated, commerce grinds to a halt, and education suffers. His call is not just a political statement but a demand for urgent action that directly affects thousands of Nigerians. Residents have pleaded for swift repairs, warning that the situation will worsen as the rainy season continues. Traders fear that the collapse will lead to skyrocketing prices of goods and services, as supply chains remain disrupted. The prolonged neglect of the Namnai Bridge and now the Bali-Suntai Road highlights the urgent need for sustainable road maintenance policies in Taraba State.The combined voices of Yakubu and Kungana have transformed the crisis into a rallying point for accountability. Their united stance reflects a broader demand for government responsiveness, reminding leaders that infrastructure failures are not abstract statistics but lived realities for communities. The collapse of two critical transport routes within two years has left Taraba’s people in despair, and unless urgent steps are taken, the crisis will deepen, leaving the state further isolated and economically strangled.

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HONOURABLE JAFAARU YAKUBU COMMISERATES WITH QATAR OVER THE DEATH OF RULER

Published

9 hours ago

September 17, 2026

Our Reporter

Honourable Jafaaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria–China Friendship Relationship Group, has extended his condolences to the Government and people of Qatar following the passing of the father of the incumbent Emir, His Royal Highness Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani.In his condolence message, Honourable Yakubu described the late ruler as a man of wisdom and compassion whose leadership left a lasting imprint on Qatar and the wider global community. He noted that the deceased patriarch of the Al Thani Royal Family was widely respected for his dedication to service, his vision for progress, and his commitment to uplifting humanity.Yakubu emphasized that Qatar has not only been a leader in the Gulf region but has also shown remarkable generosity through humanitarian partnerships that extend far beyond its borders. He highlighted the role of Qatar Charity in his Federal Constituency of Bali/Gassol in Taraba State, where sustained interventions have supported orphans, widows, and vulnerable groups. These programs, he said, have provided scholarships, empowerment opportunities, and social support that have transformed lives and strengthened communities.“The people of Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency will always remember the kindness of Qatar and the impact of its humanitarian activities in our communities,” Honourable Yakubu remarked. He added that the partnership with Qatar Charity has been a source of hope and opportunity, reinforcing the bonds of friendship between Nigeria and Qatar.He prayed for Allah (SWT) to forgive the shortcomings of the departed leader and grant him Jannatul Firdausi, while assuring the Government of Qatar of his constituency’s solidarity during this period of mourning.The condolence message, delivered in Abuja, underscores the enduring ties between Nigeria and Qatar, and reflects the shared vision of both nations in advancing humanitarian causes and uplifting vulnerable populations. Honourable Yakubu reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening these ties, ensuring that the partnership continues to grow and deliver meaningful benefits to his people.

News

‘Ombugadu Is a Brand, Not a Title’ — PDP Chieftain

Published

2 days ago

September 15, 2026

Our Reporter

By Emmanuel Kuza

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, Abuga Ovie, has described the name Ombugadu as a political brand, saying the popularity and wide acceptance of the name have made David Emmanuel Ombugadu a major force in the state’s political landscape.

Ovie, who stated this in an interview on Tuesday, said what started as opposition from some of Ombugadu’s biological brothers and people he described as fathers and uncles who betrayed him for personal political interests had now assumed a wider dimension, with political parties allegedly joining the battle against him.

According to him, the latest development was an attempt to undermine the political value of the Ombugadu name by presenting another person with the same surname, describing it as an indication of how far some political actors were prepared to go to weaken the PDP governorship candidate.

“Ombugadu is a brand, not a title. The people are not fools. They know their own. You cannot simply bring another person bearing the same name and expect the people to forget the political identity that Ombugadu has built over the years,” he said.

He further alleged that a former governor was working to introduce a political associate who had served as Accountant-General of Nasarawa State into the political equation, with the alleged objective of destabilising the PDP and weakening its chances by ensuring that the party fields a less competitive candidate in 2027.

“The plan, as we understand it, is to destabilise the PDP and make sure the party presents a weak candidate, thereby creating an advantage for the former governor’s preferred candidate. But all those efforts have proved abortive because the national leadership of the PDP stood its ground and refused to lose its best bet for the 2027 governorship election,” Ovie said.

The PDP chieftain said the resolve of the national leadership to retain Ombugadu had demonstrated the confidence the party had in his capacity to win the governorship election, despite what he described as attempts by some political actors to frustrate his ambition.

Ovie urged political parties and their leaders to resolve their internal differences instead of concentrating their efforts on Ombugadu, whom he compared to David in the Bible, saying he remained focused despite betrayal and opposition from those close to him.

“Ombugadu is like David in the Bible. Even when his brothers forsook him, he remained focused. Today, despite the people who have betrayed him, he remains focused and has a blueprint that can rescue Nasarawa State,” he said.

He said political parties should concentrate on presenting their programmes and convincing voters about how they intend to address the challenges confronting the state rather than expending their energy on attempts to stop Ombugadu.

“Political parties should fix their problems instead of wasting their strength fighting Ombugadu. Let everybody bring their blueprint before the people and explain what they intend to do for Nasarawa State,” he said.

Ovie maintained that the 2027 election should be about ideas, competence and the future of Nasarawa State, rather than attempts to manipulate political structures or undermine individuals perceived to enjoy strong grassroots support.

He urged the people of the state, particularly the Eggon community, to remain politically vigilant and resist what he described as efforts to make them settle for less, insisting that voters would ultimately determine who enjoys their confidence at the polls.
Reduce repeated references to Ombugadu