Nigerian outrage as suspected gang leader made chief

After a suspected kidnapping gang leader was made a traditional chief, the administration of Nigeria's northwest Zamfara state suspended a Muslim traditional leader (emir).

On Saturday, the Sarkin Fulani community in the Yandoton Daji area elected and installed Adamu Aliero Yankuzo as its chief. Adamu Aliero Yankuzo is a wanted suspected gang leader.

It is said to have been included in a peace agreement with gangs after they agreed to put down their weapons.

However, critics claim that in the past, armed criminal groups responsible for the region's wanton killings and kidnappings for ransom did not uphold similar deals.

Witnesses informed the BBC that hundreds of alleged criminals riding motorbikes without weaponry attended the Saturday "turning" ceremony along with many government officials.

Following the appointment, a lot of Nigerians expressed shock and rage. Some claim that this has placed doubt on the government's battle with armed gangs.

The Emir of Birnin 'Yandoto, who is accused of turning the leader, has now been suspended by the Zamfara state government, which has also distanced itself from the appointment.

In a statement, Kabiru Balarabe Sardauna, the state secretary for Zamfara, stated that a committee had been formed to look into the "circumstances leading to the action of the emir."

Police issued a wanted status for Mr. Yankuzo two years ago, but he was never detained.

He was charged by police with being the head of a group that was allegedly responsible for several kidnappings and the murders of more than 50 individuals in Katsina state in 2020.