Matawalle Suspends Emir for Turbaning Terrorist Kingpin in Nigeria

By Adeleye Kunle

Governor Bello Mohammed Mutawalle of Zamfara State in North West Nigeria has ordered the immediate suspension of Aliyu Garba Marafa, the Emir of Birnin Yandoto in Tsafe Local Government Area, TrackNews reports.

Marafa was suspended for turbaning a wanted terrorist kingpin, Adamu Aleru, as Sarkin Fulani (the Chief of Fulani) of Yandoton Daji emirate.

Matawalle, in a statement issued last night by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Kabiru Balarabe Sardauna, distanced himself from the terrorist kingpin’s alleged turbaning.

“The Zamfara State Government wishes to inform the general public that it has distanced itself from the alleged turbaning of a Sarkin Fulani by the Emir of Birnin ‘Yandoto of Tsafe Local Government Area.”

“In this regard, the State Executive Governor, Hon. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has directed the Emir’s suspension to take effect immediately,” the statement continued.

As a result, the governor appointed a six-member committee led by Hon. Yahaya Chado Gora to investigate the circumstances surrounding the suspended emir’s action.

While the state denied prior knowledge of Alieru’s turbaning, some local government officials, including Tsafe Local Government Administrator Alhaji Aminu Mudi, who was the special guest of honor at the coronation, delivered speeches.

Rtd DIG Mamman Tsafe, the Zamfara State Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, was also present at the event.

According to residents of Tsafe town, over 100 bandits attended the Aleru turbaning ceremony.

The Governor, on the other hand, has directed the District Head of Yandoto, Alhaji Mahe Garba Marafa, to take charge of the emirate’s affairs until further notice.