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..
Politics
Ogun Central To Host Final Zonal Townhall Meeting for Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, April 30
Ogun Central To Host Final Zonal Townhall Meeting for Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, April 30
-.Removes Hon.Olugbenga Lekuti as Deputy Director General,Ogun East
One of the leading Political Groups, Ogun Visionaries is set to host the final zonal edition of the Sen. Solomon Adeola Yayi town hall meetings in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital. The Ogun Central Edition, scheduled for April 30, 2026, aims to engage the electorate and push for Senator Yayi’s Governorship bid in 2027.
The event is themed ‘Ogun 2027: Yayi For All,’ marking the finale of the zonal town hall meetings.
Addressing Journalists on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital,the Director General of Ogun Visionaries, Hon. Leye Odunjo, said the meeting will draw key stakeholders from Ogun Central’s political power circle.
Hon.odunjo stated that the event will kick off with a health walk, ‘Ogun Visionaries For Yayi Unity Walk,’ in the morning of April 30, 2026.The walk is themed ‘Let’s Walk for A United and Prosperous Ogun State,’ aiming to rally support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Governorship aspiration.
“The town hall meeting is expected to feature prominent personalities, including Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi as the Special Guest of Honour. The event will provide a platform for interaction and engagement with the electorate”.
Ogun Visionaries has successfully held town hall meetings in Ogun West and Ogun East senatorial districts. The Ogun Central Edition is the final zonal meeting before moving to LGAs and wards.
The Director General while acknowledging the support received from various personalities since inception of the group,disclosed that distinguished individuals would be honoured with Award of Recognition during the event.
Odunjo, who is also a Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Senate President said “The political atmosphere in Ogun State is reportedly in tune with the people’s yearning for Yayi’s emergence. Ogun Visionaries is at the forefront of making this a reality.
“The event aims to unite stakeholders and push for a prosperous Ogun State. With Senator Yayi’s popularity growing, the meeting is expected to draw a large turnout.
“The Ogun Central Edition will provide a platform for stakeholders to interact and engage with the electorate. The event is seen as a crucial step towards achieving the group’s goals.
“Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi’s presence is expected to energize supporters and further boost his campaign for 2027” he added
Meanwhile, Ogun Visionaries has announced removal of Hon Olugbenga Lekuti as the Deputy Director General, DDG,Ogun East, of the group.
Announcing the removal in a brief statement made available to Journalists, Hon.Odunjo stated that Hon.Lekuti was relieved of the position as a result of his anti -group and anti -Yayi’s acts.
He added that a new Deputy Director General would be announced in due course.
Politics
Political Earthquake in Kano: How, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Nasiru Gawuna’s Move to ADC Reshapes North-West Politics
Political Earthquake in Kano: How, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Nasiru Gawuna’s Move to ADC Reshapes North-West Politics
The political atmosphere of Nigeria’s North-West was fundamentally altered on a sweltering afternoon in 2026 after Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso former Governor of Kano State and Former Minister for Defence who is also the “Grand Commander” of the Red-Cap revolution, finalized a move that many viewed as the ultimate masterstroke of his political career. By transitioning from the NNPP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kwankwaso did more than change platforms; he effectively reset the coordinates of the nation’s largest voting bloc.
Senator Kwankwaso’s pedigree is defined by a singular devotion to human capital development and an almost mythical grassroots loyalty preceded him. He turned a local movement, the Kwankwasiyya, into a disciplined, ideological army that transcends traditional party structures. His entry into the ADC instantly transformed a secondary party into a formidable fortress, signaling to the ruling elite that the North-West is no longer a monolith under their control.
The gravity of this shift is most profound in Kano, the heartbeat of Northern commerce. For years, the state was a polarized battlefield between the Kwankwasiyya and established conservative wings. However, the entry of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna into the same ADC orbit has created a “Kano Super-Alliance” that was previously unthinkable. Kwankwaso, the visionary architect who sent thousands of Kano’s children to global universities, now finds his populist ideology merging with Gawuna’s administrative steadiness and deep-rooted institutional connections.
This synergy is a seismic departure from the politics of “zero-sum” rivalry; it is a calculated fusion of mass appeal and the strategic machinery required to protect and deliver votes.
This move reshuffles the entire North-West deck. As Kwankwaso plants the ADC flag across the region, he is attracting a wave of heavyweights from Kaduna to Sokoto who feel marginalized by the status quo. His political pedigree allows him to speak with a regional authority that others lack, positioning himself as a protector during a time of economic uncertainty. By bringing Gawuna into this fold, the dynamics of Kano politics have shifted from a war of attrition to a coalition of necessity. This alliance creates a “Third Way” that bypasses the failures of the old guard, promising a return to the rapid growth that defined the Kwankwaso years, but with a broader, more inclusive base that could dictate the occupant of Aso Rock in 2027.
Kwankwaso’s career has always been defined by a uniquely personal brand of power. From 1999 to 2015, he served two terms as Governor of Kano State, in addition to roles as Minister of Defence and Senator. While many were surprised by his recent maneuvers; especially following closed-door meetings with President Bola Tinubu, he chose the emerging ADC over the ruling APC.
In the high-stakes theater of Nigerian politics, few events have jolted the region quite like the defection of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna from the APC to the ADC on March 31, 2026. Coming just twenty-four hours after Kwankwaso’s move, Gawuna’s transition fundamentally has also altered the political calculus in Kano. What makes this moment remarkable is the sheer drama of the reversal. Gawuna’s political journey has been a steady, calculated ascent through Kano’s establishment. He first shot to prominence as Commissioner of Agriculture under Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, earning a reputation for hands-on management in a state where farming is the economic backbone. He eventually rose to Deputy Governor, serving for nearly six years and gaining invaluable executive experience. Beyond partisan politics, Gawuna distinguished himself as Chairman of the Governing Council of Bayero University and, most recently, as Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). He resigned from the FMBN on March 27, 2026, citing compliance with presidential directives regarding political appointees.
A look back at the 2023 gubernatorial election reveals just how significant Gawuna is. Running under the APC, he polled over 890,000 votes against the formidable Kwankwasiyya machine. This proved that he is one of the few politicians in Kano who can genuinely compete with Kwankwaso’s electoral machinery. His strength is threefold: he appeals to the youth, the religious establishment (Ulama), and the business community; he has the capacity to split the APC vote; and he has demonstrated he can deliver votes independently of a larger party wave. To understand the magnitude of this defection, one must appreciate the complete inversion of alliances since 2023. Back then, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ran on the NNPP ticket with Kwankwaso’s backing, while Gawuna carried the APC banner with Ganduje’s support. By 2027, the roles will likely reverse: Governor Yusuf is positioned to run under the APC with Ganduje’s blessing, while Gawuna is poised to run under the ADC with Kwankwaso’s endorsement.
From the perspective of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Gawuna’s arrival is a “return” rather than a “recruitment,” as he was part of the movement’s pioneer cohort. This narrative neutralizes accusations of opportunism. For his part, Gawuna framed his move in terms of service and divine guidance, with sources indicating he felt marginalized within the APC after his 2023 defeat.
The reaction from within the APC has been one of worry and regret. President Tinubu, recognizing the stakes, reportedly directed party leaders to prevent Gawuna’s move, even offering him an automatic Senatorial ticket for 2027. The failure of this pressure campaign, Gawuna reportedly placed his phone on “Do Not Disturb” and traveled abroad to avoid lobbyists represents a significant defeat for the presidency’s political management. This crisis prompted emergency meetings between President Tinubu, Dr. Ganduje, and Badaru Abubakar at the Presidential Villa to reorganize their strategy.
The long-term implication is the potential break of the APC-PDP duopoly. The ADC is now positioning itself as a genuine “third force” in the North-West. The defection of high-profile figures like Senator Ahmed Babba-Kaita, Senator Aishatu “Binani” Ahmed, and former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami suggests a coordinated realignment. This competition could force more substantive policy debates and reduce the “zero-sum” intensity of regional elections.
The projected 2027 gubernatorial rematch between Gawuna (ADC) and Governor Yusuf (APC) will be a battle between two men with established records. Voters will have a genuine choice between performance and platform rather than just shifting loyalties. As Gawuna put it: “Allah gives power to whom He wants and when He wants.” While the 2027 elections will reveal where that power flows, it is already clear that the political landscape of the North-West will never look the same again.
Politics
Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Gratuity Payment
Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Gratuity Payment
The Zamfara State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the release of funds for the payment of Gratuity Batch 3 for the 2024/25 period. This decisive action underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of retired civil servants who dedicated years of service to the state’s development.
The Accountant General of the State is already working diligently to ensure that all eligible retirees receive their payments promptly and efficiently, reflecting the government’s resolve to uphold transparency and accountability in the disbursement process.
This timely gratuity payment is a testament to Governor Dauda Lawal’s people-centered leadership, which recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of retirees to the progress and stability of Zamfara State. It also reaffirms the government’s pledge to honor its financial obligations without unnecessary delays.
The Zamfara State Government calls on all retirees in the affected batch to exercise patience as the necessary administrative and financial processes are finalized. Every effort is being made to ensure smooth and uninterrupted payments.
This initiative is part of Governor Dauda Lawal’s broader vision to empower citizens and retirees, strengthen confidence in public service, and sustain the morale of those who have committed their lives to the growth of Zamfara State.
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