Aminu Ibrahim, a member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly representing Kaura Namoda State Constituency, is in police custody for alleged involvement in banditry and kidnapping. Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State, Muhammad Shehu Dalijan, confirmed Ibrahim’s arrest during an exclusive interview.
Dalijan also revealed that the District Head of Kaura Namoda, Alhaji Jafaru Abdullahi Kumburki, and former Local Government Chairman Nasiru Muhammad are detained on similar charges. Additionally, district heads of Danjibga, Bukkuyum, and Unguwar Gyauro are under investigation for their alleged involvement in these crimes.
The police investigation indicated that Alhaji Jafaru Abdullahi Kumburki conspired with two suspected bandit collaborators, Alhaji Bala and Hali Sidi, to kidnap nine people from Gidan Sambo village in Kaura Namoda LGA. The trio allegedly collected an N800,000 ransom before releasing their captives.
Aminu Ibrahim, the serving lawmaker, was arrested for his alleged role in the kidnapping of 80-year-old Alhaji Ibrahim Sarkin Fada from Kasuwar Daji village. The former chairman of Kaura Namoda LGA is also accused of collaborating with Hali Sidi and Alhaji Bala to kidnap Alhaji Ango of Kumurya village.
Commissioner Dalijan stated, “The district heads of Danjibga, Unguwar Gyauro, and Bukkuyum will face an investigative panel set up by the state government over their involvement in banditry activities. Prior to the formation of the panel, the police had conducted an investigation on the matter and submitted their report to the state governor for further action.”
The police commissioner assured that authorities would continue to identify, arrest, and prosecute anyone found participating in banditry and related crimes.
“Investigation is still ongoing, and I can assure you that whoever is found directly or indirectly involved in this case will be invited for questioning,” he said.
Local residents expressed shock and hope that the highest authorities’ commitment to addressing the issue would help end banditry and restore normalcy.
“We suspect our lawmaker. After Alhaji was kidnapped, Hon. Ibrahim approached the family and collected over N20 million on the pretext of getting the old man freed. Despite his age, Sarkin Fada spent six months in captivity before he was released after the family paid the money through the lawmaker,” said Anas Ibrahim S. Fada, a relative of the kidnapped Alhaji Sarkin Fada.
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The Majority Leader of Zamfara State House of Assembly, Hon. Bello Mazawaje, confirmed the arrest of Ibrahim, stating, “I can confirm to you that Hon. Ibrahim, a serving member of this honorable house, is being investigated by the police on allegations related to banditry. The matter is with the police and the investigation is ongoing.”
Governor Dauda Lawal has set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the complicity of government officials and community leaders in banditry.
The panel, chaired by Alhaji Ahmad Garba Yandi, has been tasked with “investigating the district heads of Unguwar Gyauro, Danjibga, and Bukkuyum.”
Yandi, who also serves as commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, stated, “The panel is expected to unearth the truth or otherwise of the allegations leveled against the three district heads. We have only two weeks to finish the work and submit our report to the governor for further action.”
The state government has reaffirmed its stance against reconciling with bandits.
Alhaji Faruk Ahmad, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Mobilization, stated, “The measures the present administration is putting in place to tackle the menace of insecurity in the state are yielding positive results. We will not reconcile with any bandit leader. Rather, we will continue fighting them.
“Zamfara State has experienced numerous cases of banditry over the years, with many people killed and others abducted. Kidnapped individuals often gain their freedom only after their families pay ransom. Communities have been forced to pay levies to maintain peace or access their farms.
“In 2022, the Emir of Yandoton Daji, Aliyu Marafa, was suspended for turbaning a wanted terrorist but has since been reinstated.”