Bauchi govt suspends Lame emir over alleged unlawful levies, mining meddling

The Bauchi State Government has suspended the emir of Lame, Yakubu Aliyu, pending an investigation into alleged illegal levies and interference in land and mining affairs.

The Bauchi State Government has suspended Yakubu Aliyu, the emir of Lame, over allegations of illegal levies, interference in land administration and meddling in mining operations, TheCable reports.

Mukhtar Gidado, the governor’s special adviser on media and publicity, said in a statement on Saturday that the suspension takes immediate effect.

He said the government acted on multiple petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies, after the emir’s explanation proved unsatisfactory.

A 12-man panel chaired by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Sani Mohammed has three weeks to report.

“The suspension is a precautionary administrative measure intended to safeguard the integrity of the investigation, prevent possible interference with witnesses and official Emirate records, and reduce tensions within the community,” he said.

Gidado said the emir would be allowed to respond to the allegations against him.

The emir must remain within the emirate and stay out of its affairs, while senior councillor Bala Abubakar oversees day-to-day administration in the interim.