Bashir Hadejia: Concerns rise over links to high-profile govt officials

Recent allegations involving Bashir Hadejia and several high-profile Nigerian government officials have sparked significant controversy.

Hadejia, a former aide to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, is alleged to be one of the sponsors of the #EndBadGovernance protests.

He was arrested on Monday, 5th August and has been accused of “treason and subversion against the state”.

Videos and photos that emerged since his arrest has linked Hadejia to high profile government officials.

Hadeija is alleged to be involved in serious transnational crimes and has been accused of spreading misleading information.

His arrest has elicited reactions from various quarters, following reports that during interrogation by the Force Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect mentioned the names of top government officials.

Sources however said contrary to allegations, he never mentioned the name of the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle.

However, sources also disclosed that some politicians are working assiduously to establish a nexus between the suspect and the minister of state for defence to achieve a set motive.

Matawalle has publicly denied the allegations, emphasising commitment to national security and public service.

The sources have raised concerns that the claims may serve as a diversion from the core issues under investigation and have advised the public to cautiously approach the allegations as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, some ethnic nationalities, the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Northern Awareness Network (NAN) and Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), in a statement, lauded Hadejia’s arrest.

The statement issued by President General of AYCF Yerima Shettima, Chairman of NAN, Salifu Suleiman, and the leader of the YYC, Comrade Eric Oluwole, said Hadejia’s arrest was due to the efforts of the country’s security network being coordinated jointly by the National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the Armed Forces, Police and other security agencies.

Parts of the statement read, “The confession of Bashir Hadejiya has unveiled a disturbing nexus of criminality that transcends national boundaries, posing significant threats not only to Nigeria but to the broader West African region and beyond. His involvement in the gun-running trade and the smuggling of gold pilfered from the Central Bank of Libya underscores a perilous partnership with international criminal networks.

“These entities do not merely undermine our national integrity; they provide the very resources necessary for exacerbating terrorism and instability across West Africa—a situation that represents a severe affront to our sovereignty and a pronounced invasion of our peace.

“The tireless work and unwavering commitment of President Tinubu’s security team, specifically the resolute efforts of key figures such as NSA, Defence Ministers are quite commendable and essential in our collective fight against such security threats.

“To bolster our national security further, we advocate for empowering these defenders—providing them with the tools, resources, and authority necessary to navigate complex national security challenges. It is only through a well-resourced and supported security team that we can expect to confront the evolving threats that loom over our democracy, the statements added.

“While we commend the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for its efforts to protect the sovereignty of our Country we call on the Federal Government to provide the funds and materials needed for the security agencies to function optimally.”