Zamfara Insecurity: Governor Faults Court For Releasing Bandits On Order From Abuja

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has faulted the state judiciary for granting bail to some suspected bandit leaders arrested with weapons and brought for trial before the court.

According to Governor Lawal, the suspected bandit leaders were released upon order from influential individuals in Abuja, who he claimed had been communicating with the alleged bandit leaders.

These powerful individuals had assured the suspects that they would regain their freedom immediately after being arrested,” he said.

The governor disclosed this during the swearing-in of new magistrates in Gusau while also commending some judiciary members for their integrity and diligence.

He further stated that one of the suspected bandit leaders was traced to Bauchi State, while the other was apprehended in Gusau and upon arrest, both were arraigned in court.

However, he maintained that these suspected bandits could regain freedom because the influential individuals who live in Abuja were initiating negotiations with the bandits in the state without his knowledge, which he said is causing an escalation and worsening the security challenges in the state.

However, he urged the newly sworn-in judicial officers to execute their job according to the rules of engagement, integrity, and honesty and to justify their appointments for the collective interest of law-abiding citizens.

The governor also reminded them of the current security challenges the state is facing, ranging from banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and others, urging them to arrest the situation judiciously.

Meanwhile, the State Police Commissioner, M.D. Shehu had earlier corroborated the security challenges in Zamfara as rampant and enabled by high-profile individuals from within and outside the state.

According to Shehu, a member of the state house of assembly, district head, former local government chairman, and other highly influential individuals were arrested for involvement in banditry.

The state Chief Judge, Justice Kulu Aliyu, charged the newly sworn-in magistrates with honesty and dedication to promoting the image and reputation of the judiciary, as all eyes are on them.

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Mayowa Durosinmi

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M. Durosinmi is a West Africa Weekly investigative reporter covering Politics, Human Rights, Health, and Security in West Africa and the Sahel Region

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