From Ahmad Ibrahim, Gusau
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has faulted the state judiciary for granting bail to some suspected bandit leaders who were arrested with weapons and brought before the court for trials.
The governor claimed that the suspected bandit leaders were released by order from powerful individuals in Abuja, who he said had been communicating with the suspected bandit leaders.
According to him, these powerful individuals had assured the suspects that they would regain their freedom immediately after being arrested.
He disclosed this during the swearing-in of new magistrates in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, while also commending some members of the judiciary for their diligence and integrity.
He further stated that one of the suspected bandit leaders was traced to Bauchi state, where he was arrested, while the other was apprehended in Gusau, the state capital, and both were arraigned before the court.
Governor Lawal tasked the new judicial officers to execute their job according to the rules of their engagement, advising them to work with integrity and honesty and to justify their appointments for the collective interest of all law-abiding citizens.
Governor Lawal reminded them of the current security challenges bedevilling the entire state, ranging from banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other forms of criminality, urging them to help address the situation.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Kulu Aliyu, had charged the newly sworn-in magistrates to always be honest and dedicated to promoting the image and reputation of the judiciary, as all eyes are on them.
Recall that recently, the State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has been lamenting the insecurity situation in the state, claiming that some prominent persons residing in Abuja have been negotiating with the ravaging bandits.
He maintained that these powerful individuals live in Abuja and are initiating negotiations with the bandits in the state without his knowledge, which he said is causing an escalation of banditry activities in the state.
