Kebbi State NASS Caucus Demands Accountability: Calls for Arrest and Prosecution of Abubakar Malami, SAN.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline Newspaper
September 14th, 2025
In a dramatic political turn that has sent ripples across the Nigerian political landscape, the Kebbi State National Assembly (NASS) Caucus, under the respected leadership of Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero, has issued a powerful public demand for the immediate arrest and prosecution of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN. The caucus accuses the senior lawyer and political heavyweight of engaging in actions that amount to incitement, provocation, and breach of public peace in Kebbi State.
This development comes in the wake of a petition dated September 10, 2025, authored by Malami and widely circulated among federal security and political institutions. In the petition, Malami alleged that Governor Nasir Idris, alongside other key political actors in Kebbi, orchestrated a clandestine importation of political thugs, foreign mercenaries, and dangerous arms into the state. He claimed this was being done to intimidate opposition voices and solidify a grip on power.
However, in an emergency press conference held today at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the Kebbi State NASS Caucus issued a strong rebuttal. In a joint statement signed by Senators, House of Representatives members, and other prominent federal lawmakers from the state, the group categorically dismissed Malami’s claims as not only false and malicious, but also deliberately engineered to destabilize the state’s fragile political harmony.
According to the Caucus, the real threat to peace emanates from Mr. Malami himself. The lawmakers allege that during Malami’s recent visit to Birnin Kebbi, ostensibly for a condolence visit, he brought with him known political thugs allegedly mobilized from Sokoto, Koko, and Rara. These individuals, said to have no links to Kebbi politics, reportedly stormed the APC State Secretariat, engaging in provocative chants such as “One Term! One Term!” — a direct jab at Governor Idris, who is serving his first term.
What started as political posturing allegedly degenerated into violent clashes between the imported thugs and loyal APC supporters. The scuffle reportedly left several injured and caused panic among residents. Videos of the incident circulating online show young men in branded t-shirts wielding sticks and chanting slogans, with some images allegedly tying them to political groups outside the state.
“This was not just a show of defiance,” Senator Aliero stated firmly. “This was a deliberate attempt to ignite violence in Kebbi State, wrapped in the cloak of political opposition. The people of Kebbi deserve better.”
In their statement, the Caucus listed five clear resolutions:
1. Full Investigation
The Caucus called on security and prosecutorial agencies—including the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and the Office of the Attorney General—to immediately launch a transparent investigation into the incident and all accompanying allegations.
2. Arrest and Prosecution of Malami
Should evidence confirm that Malami orchestrated or participated in acts intended to incite violence, the Caucus demanded his immediate arrest and prosecution in line with Nigerian law.
3. Challenge to Malami
The former AGF was publicly challenged to provide verifiable evidence to substantiate his claim that the governor imported arms and thugs into the state.
4. Commendation of Governor Idris
Governor Nasir Idris was commended for his measured and mature leadership, especially in resisting provocation and working with security agencies to de-escalate tensions.
5. Call for Calm
The Caucus issued an appeal to all residents of Kebbi State to remain calm, law-abiding, and confident in the government’s ability to protect lives and maintain peace.
Political analysts see this episode as a sign of deepening fault lines within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State. While Malami remains a powerful figure in northern politics, his relationship with the current administration has deteriorated sharply in recent months, especially after his unsuccessful bid to secure the party’s gubernatorial ticket in 2023.
Observers also note that this may not be the last such confrontation. A source within the party, who preferred to remain anonymous, suggested that Malami is “rebuilding his political base” ahead of the 2027 elections, using aggressive tactics to weaken the current power structure.
While the full truth remains to be uncovered through investigations, the Kebbi State NASS Caucus has drawn a line in the sand. Their strong stance underscores a firm commitment to peace, security, and accountability, even when the accused is a former chief law officer of the nation.
As Nigeria approaches another critical election cycle, the handling of this case will be a litmus test for the country’s judicial and security institutions. It will also determine whether political actors—regardless of past offices held—can be held accountable when accused of threatening national peace.
“Nobody,” Senator Aliero concluded, “is above the law. Not even a former Attorney General.”
