By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
Registering his surprise over an online publication by the leader.ng where it was reported on 26th September, 2021 that a group in Sokoto had demanded his arrest and prosecution over alleged link to bandits, Col. Garba Moyi had discribed the story as not only false but baseless as well.
Col. Moyi (rtd) who was the Commissioner for Security Matters during the administration of former governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said the publication was maliciously done by faceless individuals as a failed attempt to tarnish his cherished image.
Moyi, while speaking in an interview with newsmen in the state on Tuesday, submitted that almhe could deduce from the publication simply but handiwork of detractors to score cheap political mileage thinking they can finish his commendable record in public service.
“It’s a faceless and baseless allegation. During my tenure as Commissioner for Security, I was part of several meetings and peace-building initiatives aimed at resolving the banditry crisis in Sokoto State. Unfortunately, many of those peace efforts yielded the expected results. But at no point was I ever involved with bandits,” he said.
Reflecting on what could have led to the publication, Col. Moyi said, after he left office, those behind had failed negotiations with bandits and began to spread falsehood of possible collision against him.
On why the mischievously fabricated story is laughable, Col. Moyi said, since 2021, no law enforcement agency has invited or indicted him.
“If the allegation were true, from 2021 till now is about four years. I would have been arrested or prosecuted. But nothing of that nature has happened because it’s all lie. I move about freely to any part of the state and outside to attend public functions.
“And funny enough, the so-called author behind the claim is a scammer using an untraceable email address.
While noting that all extensive search to trace the author of the defamatory story and the publisher by his team of lawyers proved unsuccessful, Col. Moyi however said his next posible line of action could be either to report to the Nigeria Press Council or the Nigeria Union of Journalists to help him trace the publisher.
Clarifying the notion that his house in the village of Isa was burned down as a result of alleged ties to bandits, Col. Moyi the racing down of his house was orchestrated by some individuals with political intent who were arrested and tried accordingly.
“Yes, my house was razed, but it had nothing to do with banditry. The same people who organized the burning were arrested, including their leaders. They were prosecuted in a competent court. The current administration later advised me to show leniency and withdraw the case, otherwise, they would have been convicted.”
The retired military officer therefore urged the general public to disregard the publication in its entirety, noting that it was the handiwork of individuals who were uncomfortable with his rising political profile and past contributions to peace efforts in the state.
“I want the public to know that the entire allegation is false. I have no connection whatsoever with any bandit or criminal element. It was just a politically motivated attack aimed at bringing me down,”Col. Moyi noted.
