Alleged involvement in Banditry: Gov Matawalle finally sacks Emir of Maru

The suspended Emir of Maru, Alhaji Abubakar Cika Ibrahim, has been removed by the Zamfara State government. He was removed from office alongside Alhaji Ahmed Kanoma, the district head of Kanoma.

Both monarchs were earlier placed on suspension for allegedly being part of armed banditry in their respective domains and were finally stripped of their positions by the government on Saturday. Their removal follows the outcome of an investigation which was done by a committee set up by the state government to carry out investigations on the allegations of banditry leveled against them.

The two traditional rulers were said to have been found wanting according to a letter which the Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Barrister Mahdi Alitu Gusau signed.

The Zamfara State Government made the decision to remove them to teach other traditional rulers in the state a lesson.

In July, both traditional rulers were rough handled by their subjects in Kanoma town over this issue.

The residents as well, made a call that both monarchs be removed when Governor Bello Matawalle paid a condolence visit to the families of the 32 persons who lost their lives to the activities of the bandits.

The residents had accused the traditional rulers of working hand in hand with the bandits and clamoured for their removal from office.

Governor Mattawalle subsequently set up a committee to carry out investigations on the issue. Both monarchs were eventually found culpable.