The recent allegations involving Bashir Hadejia and several senior Nigerian government officials have generated considerable controversy.
Hadejia is said to be one of the sponsors of the #EndBadGovernance protest movement.
He was arrested on Monday, August 5th, and charged with “treason and subversion against the state.”
Videos and photos released after his arrest suggest links between Hadejia and senior government officials.
Khadeidja is accused of engaging in serious international crimes and spreading misleading information.
His arrest has sparked reactions from all quarters after the suspect reportedly named senior government officials during questioning by the Nigerian Police Command.
However, sources said contrary to allegations, he never mentioned Minister of State for Defence Matawalle by name.
However, sources also revealed that some politicians are keen to establish links between the suspects and the Minister of State for Defence to achieve a certain motive.
Matawalle has publicly denied the allegations, stressing his commitment to national security and public service.
Officials have expressed concern that such claims could serve as a distraction from the core issues under investigation and have urged the public to approach the allegations with caution as the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, some ethnic groups including the Arewa Youth Advisory Forum (AYCF), Northern Awareness Network (NAN) and Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) in statements hailed Hadejia’s arrest.
A statement issued by AYCF President, Yerima Shettima, NAN Chairman, Salihu Suleiman and YYC leader, Comrade Eric Oluwole, said Hadejia’s arrest was the result of efforts by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the country’s security network jointly coordinated by the military, police and other security agencies.
“Bashir Hadejiya’s confession reveals disturbing links of transnational crime that pose a grave threat not only to Nigeria but to the entire West African region and beyond. His involvement in gun smuggling and smuggling gold stolen from the Libyan Central Bank highlights his dangerous links to international criminal networks,” the statement read in part.
“These organisations are not just undermining our national unity, but are providing the resources they need to exacerbate terrorism and instability across West Africa. This is a grave affront to our sovereignty and a flagrant violation of our peace.”
“The tireless efforts and unwavering resolve of President Tinubu’s security team, especially key figures such as the National Security Agency and the Minister of Defence, are highly commendable and are vital in our collective fight against such security threats.”
“To further strengthen our national security, we advocate for empowering these defenders and giving them the tools, resources and authority they need to navigate complex national security challenges. Only through a well-resourced and supported national security team can we hope to confront the evolving threats looming against our democracy,” the statement added.
“We commend the administration of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its efforts in safeguarding the sovereignty of our country and call on the Federal Government to provide the necessary funds and supplies for our security agencies to function optimally.”
