Zamfara Government Raises Alarm Over Alleged Intimidation of Opposition, Requests Presidential Intervention

The Zamfara State Government has expressed serious concern over what it claims is the continuous intimidation and harassment of opposition figures within the state, allegedly carried out through the deployment of federal security agencies.

According to the state government, these actions pose a grave threat to democratic principles and could weaken public confidence in the neutrality of Nigeria’s national security institutions.

Alleged Abduction of Governor’s Aide in Abuja

In an official statement released on Tuesday, the Zamfara State Government disclosed that Saleem Abubakar, who serves as a Technical Assistant in the Office of Governor Dauda Lawal, was reportedly taken into custody in Abuja under circumstances described as questionable and deeply troubling.

The statement, which was signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, claimed that Abubakar was apprehended by operatives believed to be from a special security unit. The government emphasized that the arrest was carried out without the presentation of any formal arrest warrant, raising serious legal and constitutional concerns.

Claims of Secret Detention and Movement Between Facilities

The government further alleged that following his arrest, Abubakar was transported to an unknown location and later moved between multiple detention facilities. This, according to the state authorities, appeared to be a deliberate attempt to hide his whereabouts and prevent public or legal scrutiny.

State officials described the development as alarming, stressing that such actions create fear and uncertainty, not just among political actors but also within the wider public.

Warning on Threats to Democratic Values

Reacting strongly to the incident, the Zamfara State Government characterized the situation as both shocking and distressing. It warned that the alleged misuse of federal security structures for political purposes sets a dangerous precedent that could erode Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

The government cautioned that no political ambition or desperation should justify actions that compromise the integrity and impartiality of the nation’s security framework.

Call for Presidential Intervention

In its appeal, the Zamfara State Government urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently step in and address what it described as reckless conduct capable of damaging Nigeria’s democratic image and international standing.

The government insisted that the rule of law must prevail at all times and emphasized that lawful procedures should never be bypassed.

“If there are allegations against Saleem Abubakar, the appropriate course of action is to charge him before a competent court of law,” the statement stressed, adding that unlawful detention or abduction has no place in a constitutional democracy.

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