Police Declares 'Honoured' Zamfara Bandit Leader Wanted

The Zamfara State Police Command, yesterday declared notorious bandit leader, Ado Aleru who was conferred with the title of Sarkin Fulani by the Emir of Yandoto on Saturday in the state, wanted over alleged criminal activities.

This came as the state government suspended the Emir of Yandoton Daji, Aliyu Marafa, for conferring a traditional title on the wanted terror kingpin.

The Command’s spokesman said Ado Aleru was among the bandits the command was looking for because he had killed and kidnapped several victims.

“This prompted the Katsina Police Command to issue a statement that whosoever apprehends Aleru, either dead or alive, would be given N5 million. This matter still stands. We are looking for him and anyone who sees him should report to us. We are charging him for committing acts of terrorism in Kadiso, and in other communities also. He had also, kidnapped people and collected ransom.”

But the state government has distanced itself from the Emir’s action and has suspended him.

It also set up a committee to investigate the development.

A statement by the Secretary to the state government, Kabiru Balarabe Sardauna, said the government has assigned the District Head of ‘Yandoto, Alhaji Mahe Garba Marafa to take charge of the affairs of the emirate.

Alhaji Mahe Garba Marafa is said to be a younger brother to the suspended emir.

The state government also constituted a six-man committee headed by Yahaya Chado Gora to investigate the circumstances leading to the action of the emir.

The statement reads in part “This is to inform the general public that Zamfara State Government has dissociated 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, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has directed the suspension of the Emir with immediate effect.

“Accordingly, the Executive Governor has approved the appointment of a Committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the action of the Emir.”

According to reports, despite the wide criticism generated by the decision, the Emirate Council went ahead to confer on the wanted terrorist, Sarkin Fulani of Birnin Yandoto.

In defense of its action, a report credited to the Secretary of the Emirate Council, Bello Yusuf, said the chieftaincy title given to the terror kingpin would help to restore peace to the emirate and Zamfara State entirely.