Bauchi Gov Suspends Emir Of Lame Over Alleged Land, Mining Interference, Sets Up 12-Man Panel

Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has suspended the Emir of Lame in Toro Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame, over allegations of misconduct.

The governor also approved the constitution of a 12-member administrative panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations against the traditional ruler, with a mandate to submit its findings and recommendations within three weeks.

The state government said the decision followed the receipt of multiple formal petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, relevant stakeholders and security agencies concerning alleged abuse of office, arbitrary exercise of authority and other conduct considered inconsistent with the responsibilities of a traditional ruler.

The allegations against the Emir include unlawful interference in land administration, unauthorised collection of levies, undue interference in the operations of mining companies and other alleged acts of misconduct.

The government said the developments had reportedly generated tension within the Lame Emirate and raised concerns over possible threats to public peace, security and harmonious coexistence in the area.

In a statement issued on Friday, the governor’s spokesperson, Mukhtar Gidado, said the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had formally requested explanations from the Emir in line with the principles of natural justice, fairness and the right to a fair hearing.

Although the Emir submitted written responses, the government considered the explanations unsatisfactory and decided that a comprehensive and independent administrative investigation was necessary to establish the facts and make appropriate recommendations.

The government, however, emphasised that the allegations remained subject to investigation and that the Emir would be given the opportunity to respond to all the claims against him in accordance with due process.

According to the statement, Governor Mohammed exercised the powers conferred on him by the Bauchi State Chieftaincy (Appointment and Deposition) Law 2026 in approving the constitution of the 12-member panel.

The panel, chaired by DIG Sani Mohammed (rtd), comprises Musa Mohammed Yankari, a retired Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and representatives of the Commissioner of Police, Director of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Natural Resources Development.

Other members include representatives of the Chairman of Toro Local Government Area, Local Government Service Commission and the Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The Director of Administration and Human Resources in the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs will serve as the secretary of the panel.

The panel is expected to conduct a thorough, impartial and independent investigation by examining relevant petitions, documents and evidence, inviting concerned parties and giving the Emir an opportunity to defend himself before submitting its report and recommendations to the government within three weeks.

The statement further announced the immediate suspension of the Emir pending the conclusion of the administrative inquiry.

It explained that the suspension was a precautionary administrative measure aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the investigation, preventing possible interference with witnesses and official Emirate records, and reducing tensions within the community.

During the suspension, the Emir has been directed to remain within the Lame Emirate unless expressly authorised otherwise by the appropriate authority. He is also prohibited from interfering in the administrative, traditional and other official affairs of the Lame Emirate Council.

To ensure continuity in the administration of the Emirate, the Senior Councillor of the Lame Emirate Council, Alhaji Bala Abubakar Gumau, the Galadiman Lame, has been directed to oversee its day-to-day administrative affairs in an interim capacity pending the conclusion of the inquiry and further directives from the government.

The state government called on residents of the Lame Emirate, community leaders, traditional titleholders, youths and other stakeholders to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while cooperating with security agencies and the administrative panel throughout the investigation.

It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the dignity, integrity and accountability of the traditional institution across the state.

LEADERSHIP recalls that Governor Bala Mohammed, on October 25, 2025, officially presented an appointment letter to Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame, confirming him as the first Second Class Emir of Lame following the creation of 13 additional emirates in Bauchi State.