Politics
Kebbi violence: Why Malami and Koko Have Cases to Answer
Kebbi violence: Why Malami and Koko Have Cases to Answer
By Iliasu Idris
The recent invasion of our beloved town by notorious bandits that reverberates through the streets of Birnin Kebbi has become an interesting focus of national security. Nigeria is witnessing an unfortunate realization where political machinations have not merely collided with public safety but have precipitated a catastrophe of unprecedented magnitude. The rumors of violence and insecurity in Kebbi state, in particular, open cans of questions that go beyond just governance; questions that demand the swift re-examination of the very nature of political power and the deadly relationship it has with terrorism. This surge in insecurity has been largely attributed to the rise of bandits that terrorize rural communities and farmers alike. But this does not occur in a vacuum.
On the aforementioned, it is discovered that a thorough investigation into the activities of the likes of Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney General of the Federation, and Shehu Koko, a former lawmaker from our beloved state reveals a disquieting reality: These individuals have cases to answer, and the stakes could not be higher. It is important to note that the violence plaguing Kebbi state isn’t the consequence of poor governance or the weakness of its security architecture— what Nigerians are witnessing is a direct result of a political conspiracy; politicians playing the deadly game of turning banditry into a political tool for vested interests.
To understand the level of this danger better, it would be appropriate to look into the personalities of these two notorious political figures. It’s still on record that Nigerians experienced a dark season marked by a series of legal and political controversies under the tenure of Abubakar Malami as Nigeria’s Attorney General. His role in matters of national security and his relationship with powerful political and economic forces was a dictatorial burden of suppression on National growth and transparency. Therefore, the news of bringing things into Kebbi didn’t come as a surprise, but only warrants the closest scrutiny, to unravel the deep desperation of Malami’s political ambition, and expose him to the good people of Nigeria who think that Malami has changed. But unfortunately, a leopard can never change its spots.
Moreover, the action of Muhammed Shehu Koko involvement is equally troubling to know. Koko is a former House of Representatives member for Koko/Maiyama Federal Constituency, and he was suspended by the APC in May 2025 alongside nine others for alleged anti-party activities, disloyalty, and harassment of party executives. Before he wormed his way into politics, he was known for hiring bandits to terrorise rivals. Now, he’s found a willing partner in Malami, who’s using his legal clout to shield Koko from his corruption trial. His transition from a legislator to a suspected bandit sponsor is what we can call, the corrosive influence of power and ambition within Nigeria’s politics.
According to verified sources, Malami allegedly provided Koko with $1 million to bankroll the bandits and terrorists, with explicit instructions to “resume work” in Kebbi by launching attacks to create panic and discredit Idris’s governance. According to a former ally of Koko, who was part of the plot but later opted out, he revealed that Koko pocketed most of the funds out of greed, releasing only $100,000 to the bandits with a promise of more “once they resumed work in Kebbi.” This betrayal made the ally leaked the details to authorities, thereby exposing Koko’s evil plan. In frantic efforts to shield Koko from scrutiny, and taking his failed plan off the center stage, Malami launched a desperate campaign to divert attention from his crimes. On the 10th of September, Malami filed a petition to the National Security Adviser, Inspector General of Police, DSS, and other agencies, falsely accusing Governor Idris of importing “foreign mercenaries” and arming terrorists.
Malami’s shabby master plan is to bring in criminal elements to destabilize Kebbi, thereby creating a climate of fear and discontent that could potentially bolster his political ambitions, by creating the ground to project himself as a savior. It is disturbing to comprehend this chilling allegation in reality, because, importing bandits into Kebbi is not an accident of political ambition gone awry, it is an intentional act of calculated destruction that is meant to serve personal interests at the cost of human lives. Evidently, Malami’s alleged orchestration in this deadly game of politics puts the safety of the entire nation in jeopardy.
The embittered duo( Malami and Koko), who are defunct members of the APC and now prominent figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have imported notorious bandits and thugs to wreak havoc in the state, revealing a sordid pact rooted in political desperation and criminal collusion. It can be recalled that this duo’s defection was fueled by their rejection by Kebbi’s political mainstream, prompting them to resort to thuggery and violence to intimidate opponents and assert dominance, as it’s no secret that Koko has a long history of thuggery.
However, upon keen observation of their theatrics, it is revealed that their desire for control often overrides the sanctity of human life. They believed that engineering the destabilization of Kebbi could very well weaken the influence of political opponents, thereby creating a crisis that would allow them ( Malami and Koko) to present themselves as the solution; a plan which is now evidently playing out in the open, and this is not a new tactic in Nigerian politics. What makes this particular situation in Kebbi a very disturbing one is the high profile of the individuals allegedly involved. A successful execution of this plot would see to another rise of another uncontrolled group of bandits that might seek to further terrorize the peace of the state with the supposed backing and sponsorship of powerful political individuals.
The country’s failure to address such systemic issues has led to a situation where the powerful are often immune from justice, while the most vulnerable bear the brunt of their machinations. The very fact that such claims which is backed by eyewitness testimony and public reports exist, indicates the porosity of accountability at the highest levels. How can a nation that touts itself as a democracy, a place where the rule of law is paramount, allow such individuals to operate with impunity?
Presently, one cannot help but feel a deep sense of disillusionment with the happenings in Kebbi. The lives of ordinary Nigerians have become pawns in a brutal game played by the elite. We are not only witnessing a case of negligence that ought to have been taken seriously, but a deliberate execution of violence for personal gain, and the people of Nigeria deserve answers right now. As rightly noted, the dynamics of violence are not only the product of criminal opportunism that weren’t prevented very early, but are being actively orchestrated by powerful figures within Nigeria’s political elite.
Mr President and every patriotic individual must not see Kebbi’s suffering as a local issue; it must be seen as an emblem of a larger crisis that threatens the very foundation of the Nigerian state. Notably, Malami and Koko are in a political lab, preparing violence that might spin out of control, which might metamorphose into another national catastrophe. It is irrefutable that this is how Boko-haram was birthed; initially emerged as a seemingly harmless entity but has since evolved into a formidable and ferocious force that has become hard to totally eradicate. What Malami failed to understand is that, just like other nations plagued by terrorism, it all start with a small group of paid machineries that were used by selfish individuals like himself to cause mayhem, but overtime, with the confidence that they are backed by powerful individuals, they grew in numbers, expanded their territory and ultimately becoming uncontrollable and morphing into international terrorist organizations.
Without mincing words, Malami and Koko have cases to answer, not only for the plot of violence they are orchestrating in Kebbi, but for the larger question of political responsibility and ethical governance in Nigeria. The preservation of the countless lives that may be lost to this senseless plot of Malami and Koko must not be ignored. The Inspector General of Police, DSS, and other agencies must call them in for questioning.
Nigeria’s future is in grave jeopardy if Malami and Koko are not thoroughly investigated.
Idris wrote this piece from Kebbi State..
religion
Primate Ayodele: The Only Prophet That Foretold Defeat Of Malawi’s Incumbent President Since 2023
Primate Ayodele: The Only Prophet That Foretold Defeat Of Malawi’s Incumbent President Since 2023
In a very surprising twist, the incumbent president of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, has been defeated in the just-concluded presidential election in the country. He lost to the former president of the country, Peter Mutharika, in a keenly contested election.
Chakwera’s loss may be surprising, but as far back as 2023, popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, had warned him to be careful of betrayal and that he needed to pray for the survival of his political career.
In a statement which was published by the country’s top news platform, Malawi24, Primate Ayodele asked the president to be prayerful about his health and political career.
These were his words:
“The president must pray for his health and political survival because those he trusted will betray him unexpectedly.”
In subsequent warnings, which were captured in videos, Primate Ayodele advised President Lazarus on how to ensure he had a better chance at the election polls, while strongly telling him that the opposition had a huge chance at taking him out of power.
The prophet, in August 2024, advised him to work on economic hardship in the country and specifically mentioned the former president as one person who could defeat him in the election if he didn’t quickly make the country better.
These were his words:
“Malawi: The president of Malawi must wake up because this opposition leader, who is his predecessor. He wants to fight the battle; he has to wake up and put his house in order if he wants to win the election. He should begin capital projects and stomach infrastructure.”
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSHW2C2KtgsNd-rZd8M/
Later on, in January 2025, the prophet stated that the ruling party could still retain power if they did the needful because the opposition would go the extra mile to win the election.
“Malawi president as well, there will be an election and the ruling party can still retain it, but if they don’t do what is needful, the opposition will go the extra mile.”
In another prophetic warning in September 2024, Primate Ayodele warned the incumbent president about failure and asked him to strategize properly if he wanted to retain his position in the country.
These were his words:
“Workers will protest against the president as the prices of commodities will skyrocket due to the economic crisis. The Malawi parliament will have a confusion session. The country must be careful not to lose any of its superstars. The president needs prayers so that he can succeed and excel. He should strategize if he still wants to continue as a president; if not, I see a crisis coming.”
https://theeagleonline.com.ng/primate-ayodele-warns-presidents-of-gambia-zambia-malawi/
Between 2023 and 2025, it’s been about two years since Primate Ayodele has been warning the president of Malawi of this impending embarrassment that has just happened, which he totally ignored.
This was the same way Primate Ayodele warned George Weah some years back about eight times before the election, which he eventually lost. There are several other situations of presidents ignoring God’s prophet and ending up paying heavily for their actions with embarrassing losses.
Primate Ayodele is one prophet who doesn’t take sides with any politician in a contest. He most times goes as far as advising both parties on how to win the election—the same way he did with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris—leaving the candidates to decide what they want themselves.
After ignoring the prophecy of Primate Ayodele, President Lazarus has lost the election, ultimately leading to a dent in his political career, re-echoing the prophet’s words about the survival of his political career.
Politics
“Let new chairmen breathe”… Obasa warns ex-LG chairmen against wielding undue influence on successors.
“Let new chairmen breathe”… Obasa warns ex-LG chairmen against wielding undue influence on successors.
…As the Assembly celebrates Mrs Remi Tinubu at 65
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has warned the immediate past chairmen of local governments and local council development areas in the state to release their stranglehold on their successors and allow them to work unencumbered.
The Speaker issued this warning at a meeting with newly elected chairmen (the second in one month) held inside the Lateef Jakande auditorium of the Assembly Complex on Tuesday, September 23. Speaker Obasa did not hold back in his outright condemnation of the immediate past chairmen who are reportedly still exerting undue influence on their successors. In the worst cases, according to him, many of them are still signing cheques in collusion with council treasurers and managers.
Obasa asked the new chairmen pointedly, “How can you be answerable to your predecessors? What you owe them is honour, not to allow them to control you. They have done their bit, and everybody is grateful; you are the ones in the saddle now. So, take charge.”
Sounding a note of warning to the overbearing past chairmen in absentia, Obasa said, “Let the new chairmen breathe. Let the public see that there are new sheriffs in town and that they are doing a good job. Let their work show. Don’t take their shine. Remove your grip on their necks.” The Speaker frowned at the ex-chairmen for mounting pressure on their incumbents to start paying for loans while in office, without giving them any room for due diligence or to settle down.
He warned, “Before you start paying loans, ask questions. Where you are unsure of what the loan was used for, ask questions and look through the books. If you can renegotiate or restructure the terms of the loans, do so for the betterment of your constituents.”
Further, the Speaker said, “Four years is not a long time in politics. So, if the public does not see what you are doing in four months (of being in office), you have created a wrong impression. As politicians, we manage so many interests, but it should not be at the detriment of the council and the people.” Then, he harped on the spate of deaths in councils across the state, saying that this was the first time such a thing was happening in the state and that it did not bode well for the party. He reminded his guests of the importance of taking their health seriously by doing periodic checks and admonished them to ensure they prioritise the well-being of their people.
Earlier in the day at plenary, members of the House of Assembly took turns to celebrate the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who marked her 65th birthday on Sunday, September 21. Hon. Oladipo Ajomale (Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II) started the plethora of plaudits and paeans. He described Senator Oluremi as a mother who has done so well for the nation, commended her for making life better for Nigerians, especially the underprivileged, and wished her great health and a long life.
Hon. Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi Constituency 1) recalled that he was privileged to work with her during the second term of then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu and highlighted her loyalty and steadfast support for the President. He commended her selfless service to humanity, stating, “She is not just a pillar behind the President, but a woman whose actions reflect her genuine desire to uplift lives.”
Princess Lara Oyekan-Olumegbon (Lagos Island Constituency 1) said that Mrs Tinubu is worthy of celebration for her empowerment initiatives. She prayed, “On behalf of all the White Cap Chiefs of Lagos and my constituents, we pray that God will continue to guide her to be a worthy partner to our father. Other members also recognised the First Lady’s lifelong contributions to national development, humanitarian causes, and exemplary public service. They extolled her distinguished service as a Senator and her continued advocacy for the marginalised, the less privileged, and vulnerable in society, describing her as “the most impactful senator in Nigeria’s recent history.”
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, also noted that Senator Oluremi Tinubu is the “mother of the nation”. She prayed for her to finish well just as she had started well. Speaker Obasa, who presided over the session, thanked his colleagues for their eulogies, concurring that indeed, the ‘Birthday Girl’ was exceptional as a first lady. He noted that, unlike other First Ladies who would have discarded their successor’s pet project in favour of theirs, Mrs Tinubu, as First Lady of Lagos State, sustained the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) initiative, which has continued to impact lives meaningfully across the state and beyond.
“She is a woman with so many qualities. As a Senator, she served her senatorial district with passion, dedication, high commitment, and loyalty, which no one has been able to do. We congratulate her and pray that the Almighty will continue to be with her.” The Speaker asked the clerk to send the First Lady a congratulatory letter.
Speaker Obasa Felicitates Remi Tinubu at 65, Hails ‘Renewed Hope Initiative’ Impact
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa has congratulated Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, OON, CON, on her 65th birthday.
He described her as the ‘Mother of the Nation’ who has given so much of herself to the betterment of humanity and Nigeria through her boundless philanthropy and political stewardship.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dave Agboola, Obasa acknowledged and appreciated Mrs. Tinubu’s selfless and generous services and sacrifices since her reign as the First Lady of Lagos State, during which her life-changing initiatives impacted many lives, especially the youth, women, and vulnerable people. He also commended her robust stewardship as a three-term Senator, and now as the First Lady of Nigeria.
The Speaker described Mrs Tinubu as “a pivotal force, inestimable cheerleader, and foremost partner of our beloved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in his mission to enthrone a more prosperous and progressive Nigeria through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Like the New Era Foundation established when she was the First Lady of Lagos State, Obasa stated that Sen. Tinubu is making life better for many Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Initiative, which aims to lift individuals out of poverty through education, empowerment, and compassionate support.
Describing the Renewed Hope Initiative as ‘significantly impactful’, Obasa noted, “Her work is not just about policies; it’s about touching lives and bringing about real, tangible change in our society. Her commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people is unparalleled.”
He added that the Renewed Hope Initiative has transcended its local beginnings, blossoming into a nationwide movement that addresses pressing issues and instills a renewed sense of hope.
“As we celebrate Sen. Oluremi Tinubu’s contributions to nation-building, we look forward to the future she is helping to create – one marked by progress, prosperity, and unity.
“History will be kind to her for her steadfast dedication and unparalleled passion for the welfare of the Nigerian people, and for the empathy, grace, and resilience with which she does them,” Speaker Obasa concluded.
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