The Bauchi State Government has suspended Yakubu Aliyu, the Emir of Lame, over allegations of unlawful collection of levies, interference in land administration and meddling in mining operations.
Mukhtar Gidado, the governor’s special adviser on media and publicity, announced the suspension in a statement on Saturday, saying it takes immediate effect.
He said the government had constituted a 12-member administrative panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations, adding that the suspension would remain in place until the conclusion of the probe.
According to Gidado, the government received several formal petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies concerning the emir’s alleged conduct.
He said the complaints had heightened tensions within the emirate, raising 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 said.
Gidado explained that the state government had initially summoned the emir to give his account of the allegations, but his explanation was considered unsatisfactory, prompting the decision to establish an independent panel.
He, however, stressed that the allegations had not been established and that the emir would be given the opportunity to defend himself.
“The allegations remain subject to investigation and 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 said.
The panel is chaired by Sani Mohammed, a retired deputy inspector-general of police, and includes Musa Yankari, a retired director of the Department of State Services (DSS), as well as representatives of the police, DSS and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The committee has been given three weeks to submit its findings and recommendations to the state government.
Gidado said the suspension was a precautionary measure aimed at protecting the integrity of the investigation, preventing possible interference with witnesses and official emirate records, and reducing tensions within the community.
As part of the restrictions, the government directed Aliyu to remain within the emirate throughout the suspension unless he obtains permission from the appropriate authority.
He was also instructed not to interfere in the administrative, traditional or other official affairs of the emirate council.
Meanwhile, Bala Abubakar, a senior councillor of the Lame Emirate Council, has been directed to oversee the emirate’s day-to-day administration in an interim capacity.
The government said the arrangement was intended to ensure continuity in the administration of the emirate while the investigation is ongoing.
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