Bauchi suspends emir over illegal levies, mining interference

Emir of Lame in Toro Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Yakubu Aliyu

The Bauchi State Government has suspended the Emir of Lame, Yakubu Aliyu, over allegations of unlawful collection of levies, interference in land administration and meddling in the operations of mining companies.

The suspension, which took immediate effect, will remain in force pending the conclusion of an investigation by a 12-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry constituted by Governor Bala Mohammed.

The governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, disclosed this in a statement released on Saturday, saying the panel would investigate allegations of abuse of office and other misconduct against the traditional ruler.

According to Gidado, the government received multiple formal petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies concerning the emir’s alleged conduct.

He said the complaints had generated tension in the Lame Emirate and raised concerns about public peace, security and peaceful coexistence.

“The allegations against the Emir include unlawful interference in land administration, unauthorised collection of levies, undue interference in the operations of mining companies, and other alleged acts of misconduct,” the statement read.

Gidado said the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had earlier requested explanations from the emir over the allegations in line with the principles of natural justice and fair hearing.

He added that although the monarch submitted written responses, the government considered the explanations unsatisfactory, necessitating an independent investigation.

“The government emphasises that the allegations remain subject to investigation and that the Emir shall be afforded the opportunity to respond to all allegations against him in accordance with the principles of natural justice and due process,” he stated.

Gidado said the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had earlier asked Aliyu to respond to the allegations in line with the principles of natural justice and fair hearing.

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Although the emir submitted written explanations, the government considered them unsatisfactory and decided to set up an independent panel to investigate the matter.

The government, however, stressed that the allegations had yet to be established and that the emir would be given the opportunity to respond during the inquiry.

The panel is chaired by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sani Mohammed, while its members include a retired Director of the Department of State Services, Musa Mohammed Yankari, and representatives of the police, DSS and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Other members are drawn from the state ministries of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Development, Toro Local Government Area and the Local Government Service Commission.

The panel has been given three weeks to submit its findings and recommendations to the state government.

“The suspension is a precautionary administrative measure intended to safeguard the integrity of the investigation, prevent possible interference with witnesses and official Emirate records, and reduce tensions within the community,” the statement added.

The emir was also directed to remain within the Lame Emirate during the suspension unless granted permission by the appropriate authority. He was instructed not to interfere in the administrative, traditional or other official affairs of the emirate council.

Meanwhile, the Senior Councillor of the Lame Emirate Council, Bala Abubakar, popularly known as Galadiman Lame, has been directed to oversee the day-to-day administration of the emirate in an interim capacity.

The government said the arrangement was intended to ensure continuity in the emirate’s administration while the investigation lasted.

It urged residents, community leaders, traditional titleholders, youths and other stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding, reiterating its commitment to accountability and the integrity of traditional institutions across the state.