The Bauchi State Government has suspended the Emir of Lame in Toro Local Government Area, Yakubu Aliyu, over allegations of unlawful collection of levies, interference in land administration, and meddling in the operations of mining companies.
The suspension, which takes 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, stating that the panel will probe allegations of abuse of office and other misconduct against the monarch.
According to Gidado, the state government received multiple formal petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders, and security agencies concerning Aliyu’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.”
Gidado explained that the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had earlier requested written explanations from the emir over the allegations in line with the principles of natural justice and fair hearing. Although the monarch submitted written responses, the government considered them unsatisfactory, necessitating an independent investigation.
The government stressed that the allegations have yet to be established and assured that the emir will be given the opportunity to defend himself during the inquiry.
“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”.
The panel is chaired by a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sani Mohammed, with a retired Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Musa Mohammed Yankari, serving as a member. Other security representatives on the panel are drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Additional members were selected from the State Ministries of Justice, and Environment and Natural Resources Development, as well as 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.”
Aliyu has been directed to remain within the Lame Emirate during the suspension unless granted permission by the appropriate authority. He was also 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 is intended to ensure continuity in the emirate’s administration while the investigation lasts.
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