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Gov Lawal exploiting insecurity for political gain against Matawalle, group claims
The Northern Youth Development Association of Nigeria has alleged that Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has turned insecurity into a political tool, using his platform to wage a campaign of calumny against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, Abdukadir Yusuf, the association’s National Secretary, stated that security is not—and must never be—an arena for partisan politics.
The safety and well-being of Zamfara’s citizens must be placed above personal ambition and political rivalry.
According to him, Lawal has appeared on multiple television shows, making baseless accusations, all in a bid to undermine Matawalle’s reputation and hinder his efforts to contribute to national security.
“Let me be clear: this is not just a personal attack on Dr. Matawalle—it is an attack on all Nigerians who desire peace, security, and good governance.
“By undermining the Minister of State for Defence, the governor is not just engaging in political vendetta; he is jeopardizing the fight against insurgency, banditry, and terrorism across the nation.
“This is not leadership. This is a betrayal of the trust that the people of Zamfara placed in him when they elected him to serve.”
Speaking further, Yusuf said that after months of public outcry and criticism from civil society, political parties, and concerned citizens, Governor Lawal has finally reconstituted the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund—a body he abandoned shortly after taking office.
This move, however, comes far too late and smacks of desperation. It is a reactionary step aimed at salvaging a damaged reputation rather than a proactive measure to combat the escalating security crisis.
“While Brigadier-General Abdulkadir Gumi has been appointed as the new chairman, and a fundraising committee established under the leadership of Alhaji Sambo Garba, one must ask: where was this sense of urgency when lives were being lost, when communities were being ravaged, and when bandits were tightening their grip on the state?
“The time for half-hearted measures is over. Zamfara’s people deserve more than belated actions taken under pressure.
“They deserve a governor who will put their safety first and work hand-in-hand with all stakeholders, including the Federal Government, to restore peace and security.”
Dauda is said to have played a pivotal role in sponsoring the large-scale protests in August and is reportedly planning another protest for October 1st. These actions, viewed as attempts to destabilize the current administration, are a cause for concern, and security agencies are urged to remain vigilant in monitoring these activities.
The National Coordinator of the association, Muhammad Umar Yakubu, said that allegations have surfaced linking Governor Lawal to illegal mining activities—an industry closely tied to the financing of banditry in the region.
The arrest of notorious bandit leader Bashir Hadejia and his alleged confessions have implicated the governor in these illicit operations.
Additionally, there are accusations that Governor Lawal orchestrated protests against President Bola Tinubu’s administration—protests aimed at destabilizing the government while shifting blame away from his own failures in Zamfara.
“Such actions are deeply troubling and demand thorough investigation. The people of Zamfara deserve to know whether their governor is complicit in the very criminal activities he claims to be fighting.
If these allegations are proven true, they reveal a leader who is not only failing in his duty but actively contributing to the insecurity that has plagued our state.
We must all rally behind the cause of restoring peace to Zamfara. Dr. Bello Matawalle, despite being relentlessly targeted by Governor Lawal, has remained focused on his mandate as the Minister of State for Defence.
He has pledged his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and has worked tirelessly to strengthen the nation’s security apparatus. Under his leadership, several notorious bandits, including Halilu Sububu, Kachalla Sani Black, and Kachalla Makore, have been eliminated, bringing a fragile peace to Zamfara and its neighboring states.
“These achievements are not mere coincidences—they are the result of dedicated leadership and a commitment to securing the lives of the Nigerian people.
“Governor Lawal would do well to follow this example. Instead of waging personal wars and engaging in political theater, he should work with the Federal Government, security agencies, and his predecessor to deliver on the promises he made to the people of Zamfara.
“The 2027 elections are still years away—there is more than enough time to focus on governance, implement policies that will improve infrastructure, agriculture, education, and most importantly, security.
“Let us be clear: the fight against banditry and insecurity is not a competition between politicians; it is a battle for the soul of our state and the future of our children.
“We cannot afford to lose this fight. The people of Zamfara deserve a government that will protect them, create opportunities for growth and development, and uphold the principles of justice and democracy.”
Kaduna state Governor Uba Sani declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will continue to dominate the state, saying it would soon become a one-party state.
The Governor disclosed that about four members of the House of Representatives from the opposition parties had decamped to the APC, adding that members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly from different zones had also decamped to the party.
Governor Uba Sani, who spoke at Zaria on Monday, argued that the defection of opposition members to the APC “is a good sign, and that shows that we are doing something positive; we are carrying everyone along in Kaduna state.”
House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas distributed 117 vehicles, comprising 20 Hilux, 2 ambulances, 20 18-seater buses, 50 Sharon vehicles, and 25 sedan/saloon cars (Golf, Corolla & Peugeot 406). At the same time, 200 tricycles, popularly known as Keke NAPEP, and 1,000 motorcycles were given to various beneficiaries.
At the event, Governor Sani praised Speaker Abbas, saying that Kaduna State and the entire country are proud of his stewardship. He added that the laudable projects he was interested in in the state had his blessings.
In his address, Speaker Abbas thanked his constituents for their continued support and noted that he would do his best to attract people-oriented projects to them.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) says the money received from Rivers state government for the 2025 annual general conference (AGC) was a “gift”.
A statement issued on Monday by Emeka Obegolu, chairman of the AGC planning committee, said the legal body did not sell the hosting rights for the conference.
Earlier, the Rivers government, under the leadership of Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator, asked the NBA to refund the N300 million allegedly paid for the “hosting rights” of the conference by the state.
The government said if the NBA was truly anchored on principles, it should demonstrate it by returning the money.
The decision of the state government came after the NBA moved the AGC from Port Harcourt in Rivers state to Enugu.
The association premised its decision on “constitutional violations” in Rivers following the declaration of emergency rule in the state by President Bola Tinubu in March.
Responding to the comment of the Rivers government, the NBA said there was no bidding process or payment before the announcement of Rivers as the host of the conference.
The NBA explained that due to the huge cost of organising the conference, the legal body approaches individuals and state governments for “unconditional” support.
“We wish to clarify that the decision to host the 2025 AGC in Port Harcourt was taken in August 2024 and was not subject of any bidding process or payment of any hosting rights,” the statement reads.
“The host city has no hosting right and there is no representation by the NBA that the Conference must be held in a chosen city.
“Traditionally, because of the enormous cost involved in hosting the AGC, NBA Conference Planning Committee approaches organizations, agencies of government and state governments for support and the support requested for is unconditional and not tied to hosting rights or any rights whatsoever.
“Recent NBA conferences have been supported by different state governments, corporate organizations, ministries, departments and agencies whose budgets accommodate corporate social responsibilities and share the same vision with NBA.
“Such financial supports are in the form of gifts, partnerships or sponsorships. The money from Rivers State was a gift and was not tied to any purported hosting right for the NBA AGC.”
An Upper Area Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Monday, granted controversial street-pop singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, bail in the sum of ₦1 million following his arraignment on multiple charges, including criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and inciting public disturbance.
The bail is conditional upon the provision of two sureties in like sum.
According to the court, one surety must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), while the other must own property within a Government Reserved Area (GRA) in Ilorin, supported by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.
As of press time, the 31-year-old singer remains in custody at the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, having failed to meet the stringent bail requirements.
The charges stem from a petition filed by veteran Fuji artiste, Okunola Saheed, known as Saheed Osupa, who alleged that Portable defamed him during a live Instagram broadcast on 19 March 2025.
Defamation, arrest
In the controversial video, the ‘Zazoo Zeh’ crooner stated, “This man dey try bring down my shine! He be like person wey dey chop snail with shell—him no get sense. Osupa carry tortoise for stomach. When Apple Music and Spotify want to drop money for me, na him remove my song from the platform, make I no see money.”
According to Osupa, Portable’s remarks were defamatory and damaging to his reputation and were intended to incite public hatred and disturb peace. The police, acting on the petition dated March 21, 2025, launched an investigation through the State Intelligence Department.
Elanza news reported that Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed in a statement that Portable was arrested on Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, at about 7:25 p.m. He was subsequently transferred to Ilorin for further investigation.
“In view of the weight of these allegations and the supporting evidence presented, the command secured a valid arrest warrant from a Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin,” said Ejire-Adeyemi.
“Upon his arrival, the suspect’s statement was taken in the presence of legal representatives from both parties.”
The case is documented under First Information Report (FIR) 117(1) CPC. Charges filed against Portable include criminal defamation under Section 392 of the Penal Code, criminal intimidation (Section 397), and inciting disturbance (Section 114). Provisions of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2020, were also cited.
ASP Adeniyi James, the investigating police officer, confirmed that the charges were filed based on directives from police authorities.
The presiding magistrate, Sunday Adeniyi, adjourned the matter to 30 April and advised all parties to maintain decorum as the case proceeds.
This is not Portable’s first legal encounter this year. Barely a month ago, he was granted bail in Ogun State after being arraigned on charges of assaulting government officials and obstructing their duties.
Saheed Osupa’s Copyright Claims
Beyond the defamation allegations, the dispute between Portable and Osupa also touches on copyright issues. The rift escalated after the 55-year-old reported one of Portable’s tracks, Fuji Shakushaku, for copyright infringement.
The song, released in 2023, was subsequently taken down from Apple Music and other streaming platforms.
In response, Portable criticised the Fuji veteran in a series of videos, referring to him as “big for nothing.”
The controversial singer later apologised publicly, attributing his outburst to frustration over the song’s removal and resulting financial losses.
Osupa’s management, represented by Digital Music Commerce and Exchange Ltd. (DMCE), issued a statement on 27 March via Fountain Osupa’s official Instagram page.
“We cannot stand idly by while King Saheed Osupa is being disrespected,” the statement read. “DMCE uncovered several artistes’ unauthorised use of King Osupa’s music. While most were resolved amicably, one individual engaged in cyberbullying, attacks, and reputational damage.”
The management reiterated that Osupa is signed to Sony Music Publishing Nigeria and that DMCE is authorised to act on his behalf to protect his intellectual property.
Portable has been involved in several police and court cases in recent years. In 2023, he was charged with assault and theft in Ogun State after allegedly attacking a man. In 2024, he was arrested in Lagos for allegedly failing to pay the full amount for a car he bought, leading to a debt dispute with a car dealer. He was released after meeting bail conditions.
In February 2025, Portable and his team were accused of attacking government officials who came to enforce regulations at his bar in Ogun State. He was charged with assault, obstruction, and having dangerous weapons. After turning himself in, he was granted bail. These cases have added to his reputation for being involved in controversies.