The National Youth Alliance (NYA) expressed its condemnation of the attempted arrest of one of its members, Sheriff Banki, allegedly on the orders of the Borno State Government. The NYA, a prominent movement advocating for the rights of young people, voiced its concern over this incident.
Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas, the President of NYA, expressed his dismay at the alleged attempted arrest. In a statement signed by the SA Media and Publicity to the NYA President, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, the situation was described as deeply troubling. The statement questioned the actions of Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, a highly respected figure in Borno State, and pondered why he would be involved in such an act.
“It is disheartening to witness our governor, who should be serving the good people of Borno, using his position to intimidate, harass, and detain innocent citizens simply for exercising their constitutional rights,” Ambassador Abbas stated in the release.
The NYA further explained that they have already taken action by submitting a petition to the Inspector General of Police through the law firm Saraki, Ahmed and Partners. The petition alleges that the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) for Zone 15 is colluding with the Borno State Governor to intimidate their client, Sheriff Banki, who happens to be a member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Dated May 8, 2024, the petition, signed by Ahmed Sani Esq and Isiaka Saidu Esq, highlights that Zulum, with the assistance of the Borno State Attorney General and a group of lawyers, is accusing Banki of insulting the governor through a recorded audio. However, the petition raises concerns regarding the AIG Zone 15’s refusal to provide Banki’s legal representatives with copies of the petition filed against him by the Borno Government. Additionally, it highlights the invasion of Banki’s residence as an attempt to deny him a fair hearing.
