Protest: Group commends security agencies over arrest of alleged sponsors

The Citizens United Against Terrorism (CUAT) has commended security agencies for the arrest of Bashir Hadejia, an alleged sponsor of recent nationwide protests, along with other collaborators.

At a press conference in Abuja, CUAT Convener Dr. Emmanuel Agabi praised National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the security agencies for apprehending the sponsors and masterminds behind the recent protests.

CUAT also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release any cabinet members or appointees named as accomplices by the suspects.

“It is publicly known that Bashir Hadejia has been indicted as an alleged mastermind behind the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, which served as a cover for widespread campaigns of arson, looting, and even killings in several states,” Agabi said.

“Information provided after the Nigeria Police Force arrested him indicates that the ultimate goal of the protests was to destabilize the country and overthrow the government.

ALSO READ: NSE commends FG on JICA’s $500m investment in Ogun power infrastructure

This plot to destabilize is not the only charge Hadejia faces; he also must answer for treason, subversive activities against the Nigerian government, trans-border gun-running, heists, and other transnational crimes.

“We at Citizens United Against Terrorism (CUAT) view Bashir Hadejia as merely a front in the larger scheme to destroy Nigeria, and we are keen to identify the individuals behind him.

“He is a puppet whose handlers must be revealed. If Hadejia’s arrest is akin to pruning a weed, we must go further to remove the roots to completely address this infestation.

“We are aware that Hadejia has been photographed or recorded with high-ranking officials from current and past federal and state governments.

The array of public office holders he has been documented with is alarming. This raises serious questions about his connections within the government and the level of protection they might offer him.

Nigerians do not want this to happen. Hadejia must be held accountable for his actions against this nation.

“Given the high-profile individuals Hadejia is connected to, CUAT applauds the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, our intelligence network, and security agencies for arresting the masterminds behind the recent protests, including Bashir Hadejia.

We call for a thorough investigation of all of Hadejia’s accomplices, regardless of their status.

“Our call for a detailed investigation is driven by several factors. Reports suggest Hadejia was found with a staggering cache of gold marked with the Central Bank of Libya’s stamp.

We suspect this is a cover for gold mined from communities devastated by bandits in northwest Nigeria—Sokoto, Kebbi, and Gusau—which have been rendered wastelands.”

The group expressed concern that Hadejia’s connections to prominent individuals could lead to undue protection and interference in the investigation.

They emphasized that no one should be above the law and that all involved in subversive activities against Nigeria must face justice.

CUAT also questioned Hadejia’s alleged manipulation of public opinion through media practitioners and online publishers and called for an investigation into his financial and communication interactions with known figures in the protests.

The group warned that failing to thoroughly investigate and prosecute Hadejia’s accomplices could result in a repeat of the Boko Haram scenario, where followers of Yusuf Mohammed were allowed to escape and regroup.

“The most alarming discovery is that Hadejia also manipulated public opinion, using figures like Jackson Ude, publisher of PointBlank News, who continued to post content defending the suspect while criticizing our diligent security and law enforcement agencies,” the statement added.

“We are aware that Hadejia, in the hours leading up to his arrest, mobilized Jackson Ude to recruit other online publishers and media practitioners to manipulate public opinion in his favor.

This effort is futile, as we will remain vigilant against those who join Jackson Ude in this endeavor.

“We appeal to the NSA and all our security and law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to remain steadfast so Hadejia’s associates and lieutenants do not have time to regroup.

“As a nation, we must learn from the rise of Boko Haram and how the group was able to rebuild because Yusuf Mohammed’s followers were allowed to escape following his capture and eventual death.

A repeat of this scenario with Hadejia would be catastrophic given the high-profile individuals he has named as accomplices.

“His fugitive accomplice Jackson Ude and others at large should be arrested and brought to justice immediately. CUAT also appeals to President Bola Tinubu to release any cabinet members and appointees named as accomplices by Hadejia,” the group said.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE