The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations made by the state government. The government had claimed that the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, was behind the illegal arrest of a technical assistant to the Governor, Saleem Abubakar.
APC Accuses State Government of Ignorance and Malice
In a statement released on 8 January 2026 by its State Publicity Secretary, Mallam Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party expressed bewilderment. It stated that the Nigerian public is often baffled by how any negative event affecting the Zamfara State government is instantly blamed on Minister Matawalle by the governor or his associates.
The APC clarified that the arrest was not orchestrated by the Minister. Saleem Abubakar was apprehended by a Special Forces Unit operating under the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). The party insisted that this fact alone should resolve the matter, and any party seeking details should direct inquiries to the NSA's office.
"The state government, however, in its ignorance, does not know that any arrest coordinated from the office of the NSA borders on serious national security, does not require a warrant and will be subjected to investigations," the statement read.
Allegations of Terrorism Links and Bandit Partnerships
The APC further accused the state government of deliberately omitting crucial information. It claimed the government "crookedly and craftily avoided mentioning that the suspect is alleged to have links to terrorism and cyber crime, which are serious offences."
This incident, according to the party, reinforces its long-standing accusation against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led administration in Zamfara. The APC has repeatedly alleged that the state government maintains a partnership with bandits, some of whom have been arrested by security agencies.
"So, for the government to immediately come out in defence and protection of a suspect like Saleem further confirms our charges," the statement asserted.
Commendation for Security Agencies and Defence of Matawalle
The party formally commended the security personnel for making the arrest. It urged them to conduct a thorough investigation into Saleem Abubakar, which could potentially lead to more arrests of individuals trying to evade justice.
The APC also defended Minister Matawalle, noting he was out of the country on a national assignment when the arrest occurred and the accusations were levelled against him. The statement dismissed the idea that the Minister would be involved in the arrest of a technical assistant, describing the governor's spokesman as a "miniature" distraction.
The party warned that the state government's use of the word "abduction" in its press statement was careless, callous, and could have serious legal implications. It stressed that security agencies arrest or invite individuals based on intelligence and have no reason to abduct anyone.
In conclusion, the Zamfara APC praised the office of the NSA, the Ministry of Defence, and other security outfits for their proactive measures. It stated these efforts are crucial for making Nigeria secure and free from threats posed by criminal elements.
