Security operatives have arrested Sirajo Ahmad Dan Liman in Kangiye, the chairman of Atakwanyo ward, Gwadabawa Local Government Area, Sokoto State, on suspicion of aiding bandits operating along the Tangaza–Niger Republic border corridor.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-terrorism expert on the Lake Chad region, Dan Liman serves as the deputy chief imam of the Central Jumu’ah Mosque in Kangiye.
Intelligence reports allegedly linked him to the supply of motorcycles and other essential items to criminal gangs in the area.
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Makama reported that N47 million was discovered in his bank account, suspected to be proceeds from illicit dealings with the bandits.
The report also alleged that Dan Liman holds political positions, serving as ward chairman of a political party in Atakwanyo and secretary of the forum of political party chairmen in Gwadabawa LGA.
He is also said to regularly deliver sermons during Ramadan and deputise for his father, the chief imam, including leading Friday prayers.
Sources told Zagazola that the arrest is part of a wider crackdown aimed at dismantling the financial and logistical support networks sustaining banditry in Sokoto and other northwestern states.
However, the Sokoto State Police Command has refuted some of the publication’s claims.
Rufai Ahmed, command spokesperson confirmed the arrest to newsmen but denied that the suspect is a clergyman or that any such amount was found in his account.
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“An arrest was made of the suspect currently undergoing investigation. But note that he is not a clergyman and no such amount alleged was found in his account,” Ahmed stated.
