Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal faulted the state judiciary for granting bail to some suspected terrorists, dubbed bandits, who were 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.
He made these remarks during the swearing-in of new magistrates in Gusau, commending some judiciary members for their integrity.
Lawal criticized the state judiciary for granting bail to suspected bandit leaders, alleging that influential figures in Abuja exerted pressure for their release.
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He expressed concern that these individuals communicated with the alleged bandit leaders, assuring them of freedom post-arrest.
“These powerful individuals had assured the suspects that they would regain their freedom immediately after being arrested,” he said.
The governor highlighted the apprehension of two suspected bandit leaders, one in Bauchi State and the other in Gusau, who were subsequently arraigned in court.
He lamented that negotiations initiated by influential Abuja residents with the bandits, unbeknownst to him, exacerbate security challenges in the state.
Governor Lawal urged the newly sworn-in judicial officers to uphold integrity and honesty in their duties to address the prevailing security issues, including banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling.
Additionally, State Police Commissioner M.D. Shehu acknowledged the pervasive security challenges, attributing them to involvement from high-profile individuals both within and outside the state.
Shehu revealed that arrests were made, implicating a member of the state house of assembly, a district head, a former local government chairman, and other influential figures in banditry activities.
The state Chief Judge, Justice Kulu Aliyu, charged the newly appointed magistrates with honesty and dedication to enhance the judiciary’s reputation and meet public expectations.
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