The Bauchi State Government has suspended the Emir of Lame, Yakubu Aliyu, over allegations of illegal mining activities, unauthorised collection of levies and interference in land administration.
The suspension followed several petitions and intelligence reports accusing the traditional ruler of interfering in mining operations, collecting levies without authorisation and engaging in other alleged misconduct.
Also, the government expressed concern that the complaints had heightened tensions within the emirate and the Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The government announced the suspension on Saturday, through a statement issued by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Mukhtar Gidado.
Gidado said the government had constituted a 12-member administrative panel to investigate the allegations against the suspended emir.
He explained that the decision would remain in force until the panel completed its assignment and submitted its recommendations.
According to the government spokesperson, the allegations followed complaints from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies, prompting the authorities to intervene over concerns about peace, security and peaceful coexistence.
He disclosed that the state government had earlier invited Aliyu to respond to the allegations.
However, his explanations were considered unsatisfactory, leading to the decision to establish an independent investigative panel.
Gidado stressed that the allegations had not been established, adding that the suspended traditional ruler would have the opportunity to defend himself during the investigation.
The panel of investigation is chaired by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Sani Mohammed.
Other members include retired Department of State Services (DSS) director Musa Yankari and representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, DSS and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The committee has three weeks to complete its investigation and submit its findings and recommendations to the state government.
Explaining the reason for the suspension, Gidado said the measure was intended to protect the investigation from possible interference, particularly involving witnesses and official records of the emirate.
Meanwhile, the government has directed Aliyu to remain within the emirate throughout the suspension unless he obtains official permission to travel.
He has also been barred from participating in the administrative, traditional and other official activities of the emirate council.
To prevent a disruption in the traditional institution’s operations, Bala Abubakar, a senior councillor of the Lame Emirate Council, has been appointed to oversee its day-to-day administration pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The government said the interim arrangement would ensure continuity in the emirate’s affairs while the panel examines the allegations.