The Bauchi State Government has suspended the Emir of Lame, Yakubu Aliyu, amid allegations that he collected unauthorized levies, interfered in land administration and meddled in the operations of mining companies in the area.
The suspension took effect immediately and will remain in place pending an inquiry by a 12-member administrative panel appointed by Governor Bala Mohammed.
The move follows formal petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies, according to Mukhtar Gidado, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.
The government said the complaints had heightened tensions in the Lame Emirate and raised concerns about public order and security.
The allegations include unlawful interference in land administration, unauthorized collection of levies, undue interference with mining companies and other misconduct said to be inconsistent with the responsibilities of a traditional ruler.
The government has not established the allegations, and the emir is to be given an opportunity to respond during the investigation.
The Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had earlier asked Aliyu to explain the accusations.
Although, he submitted written responses, the government described them as unsatisfactory and ordered an independent inquiry.
The panel is chaired by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police ( DIG) Sani Mohammed.
Its members include retired Department of State Services (DSS) Director Musa Yankari, as well as representatives of the police, DSS and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Other members are drawn from the state ministries of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Development, Toro Local Government Area and the Local Government Service Commission.
The panel has three weeks to submit its findings and recommendations to the state government.
The government said the suspension was a precautionary measure designed to protect the integrity of the investigation, prevent possible interference with witnesses and official emirate records, and reduce tensions in the community.
Aliyu has been directed to remain within the Lame Emirate unless authorized to leave and has been barred from involvement in the council’s administrative, traditional or other official affairs.
The Senior Councillor of the Lame Emirate Council, Bala Abubakar, known as Galadiman Lame, will oversee day-to-day administration while the investigation continues.
The government urged residents, traditional titleholders and other stakeholders to remain calm and cooperate with authorities.
The suspension comes as Bauchi’s governor has intensified scrutiny of illegal mining and warned traditional rulers and local officials against unauthorized land allocations or facilitating access to mining sites.
