Outgoing Gov Matawalle Reinstates Zamfara Emir Who Turbaned Terrorists’ Kingpin

Outgoing Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle has approved the immediate recall from suspension and reinstatement of Alhaji Aliyu Garba Marafa as Emir of Yandoto.

Alhaji Marafa was suspended from office eight months ago as emir following his turbaning of a terrorists’ kingpin, Ado Aleiru, who was declared wanted by the Nigerian military and Nigeria Police, Katsina State command.

The Emir’s suspension, eight months ago, was contained a statement by the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government in July 2022 for turbaning the dreaded terrorists’ kingpin, Ado Aleiro.

The State government while announcing the suspension of the emir, disassociated itself from the turbaning saying; “This is to inform the general public that the Zamfara State Government has dissociated itself from the alleged turbaning of a Sarkin Fulani by the Emir of Birnin ‘Yandoto in Tsafe Local Government Area.

“In this regard, the State Executive Governor, Hon. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON (Shattiman Sokoto) has directed the suspension of the Emir with immediate effect.”

The Zamfara State Government statement further noted that the terrorists’ kingpin, “Ado Aliero is currently on the wanted list of the Nigerian Army who placed a reward of Five million Naira for anyone with information that can lead to his arrest”.

The terrorists’ kingpin, Ado Aleiro is believed to operate within Tsafe-Yankara and other parts of Zamfara and Katsina States and was recently accused of masterminding the abduction of over 85 persons majorly females of Wanzamai, Kucheri, and other villages in Tsafe Local Government Area.

However, in what appeared a complete U-turn, Governor Matawalle’s approved the reinstatement of Marafa as emir of Yandoto as contained in a public announcement signed by the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe.

The statement by Balarabe said that the reinstatement was based on the recommendations of the Committee constituted to investigate all issues pertaining to the conferment of a traditional title to a repentant bandit, Ado Aleiru.

According to Balarabe; “The committee found no evidence of any ill motive or collaboration between the Emir and the bandit.

“Based on the findings of the committee, the traditional title was conferred on the repentant bandit as part of peace-building efforts between the repentant bandit and banditry-affected communities in Tsafe and Gusau Local Government Areas, which include Yandoto town,” he explained.