Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has criticized the state judiciary for granting bail to suspected bandit leaders arrested with weapons. Governor Lawal claimed that influential individuals in Abuja were behind the release of these suspects, who had assured the bandits of their freedom even before their arrest.
Governor Lawal made these remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of new magistrates in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital. He expressed his dismay, stating, “The suspected bandit leaders were released by order from powerful individuals in Abuja who have been communicating with them.”
The governor revealed that one of the bandit leaders was arrested in Bauchi State, while the other was apprehended in Gusau. Both suspects were brought before the court but subsequently released on bail, allegedly due to external pressures.
Governor Lawal urged the newly appointed judicial officers to perform their duties with integrity and honesty, emphasizing the importance of their roles in addressing the state’s security challenges.
“You must execute your job according to the rules of your engagement and justify your appointments for the collective interest of all law-abiding citizens,” he advised.
The governor also highlighted the ongoing security issues in Zamfara State, which include banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other criminal activities. He called on the judiciary to play a crucial role in combating these problems.
Earlier, Chief Judge of the State, Justice Kulu Aliyu, addressed the new magistrates, urging them to maintain honesty and dedication in their roles to uphold the judiciary’s reputation.
“All eyes are on you to promote the image and reputation of the judiciary,” Justice Aliyu stated.
Governor Lawal has been vocal about the insecurity in Zamfara, attributing some of the escalation in banditry to prominent individuals in Abuja negotiating with bandits without his knowledge. He lamented that these clandestine negotiations have undermined the state’s efforts to combat criminal activities.