The recent arrest of Alhaji Bashir Hadejia, a former aide to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has sparked widespread controversy across Nigeria. Hadejia, who previously served as a special adviser to Matawalle during his time as Zamfara State Governor, was detained on Monday by security operatives, igniting concerns and debates about the charges against him.
According to a search warrant issued to the Nigeria Police Force’s FCT Command on August 12, 2024, Hadejia faces accusations of “treason and subversion against the state.” His arrest has led to public outcry, with many questioning the nature of the charges and the circumstances surrounding his detention.
The situation escalated after photos and videos of Hadejia with prominent politicians and celebrities began circulating on social media. One particularly alarming video shows Hadejia displaying a gold bar with the image of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, further fueling suspicions. In the 14-second clip, Hadejia is heard describing the gold bars, stating, “One tonne, total 24 carats, 1kg. In each box, we have 50kg; in total, we have one tonne.”
Additional images show Hadejia presenting gold bars to the immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, alongside Matawalle in 2020. This connection has raised eyebrows, particularly given Hadejia’s close ties to high-ranking officials, including a recent photograph of him shaking hands with President Bola Tinubu.
Hadejia, nicknamed ‘Villa boy’ for his connections to the Presidential Villa, was also photographed with key figures such as Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru. These revelations have deepened concerns about his influence and connections within the Nigerian political landscape.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has also weighed in on the situation. Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, a spokesperson for the NEF, described the revelations surrounding Hadejia’s arrest as “appalling” and a serious threat to Nigeria’s stability. Suleiman emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to dismantle the criminal networks allegedly linked to Hadejia.
Hadejia’s arrest has reportedly uncovered a web of crimes, including gun-running, treason, and connections to international criminal syndicates. Suleiman commended Nigerian security agencies for their efforts but stressed that the work is far from over. He also highlighted Hadejia’s alleged role in smuggling stolen gold from Libya and supporting terrorism, calling these actions “an affront to our sovereignty.”
Further complicating the issue, Hadejia is accused of sponsoring protests like the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, which led to violence in Northern Nigeria. Suleiman urged the government to take decisive action, especially considering Hadejia’s alleged ties to powerful political figures, including a former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS).
As the investigation continues, the arrest of Bashir Hadejia has sent shockwaves through Nigeria, revealing potential links between criminal activities and high-ranking government officials. The case has underscored the need for vigilance and decisive action to protect the nation’s stability and sovereignty.
News Editor