Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has suspended the Emir of Lame in Toro Local Government Area, Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame, over allegations of misconduct, including illegal interference in land administration, unauthorised levy collection and meddling in mining activities.
The suspension takes immediate effect and was announced on Saturday in a statement signed by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado.
The state government also approved the establishment of a 12-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the allegations against the traditional ruler.
According to the statement, the decision followed the receipt of multiple formal petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies over alleged abuse of office and arbitrary exercise of authority by the Emir.
The government said the alleged activities had generated tension within the Lame Emirate and raised concerns about public peace, security and harmonious coexistence in the area.
It added that the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had earlier requested explanations from the Emir, who submitted written responses that the government considered unsatisfactory, necessitating an independent investigation.
The panel, chaired by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sani Mohammed, has been given three weeks to investigate the allegations and submit its findings and recommendations to the state government.
Other members include retired Director of the Department of State Services, Musa Mohammed Yankari, and representatives of the Police, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources Development, Toro Local Government Area, Local Government Service Commission and the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
As part of the measures approved by the governor, the suspended Emir has been directed to remain within the Lame Emirate unless authorised otherwise by the appropriate authorities.
He has also been directed not to interfere in the administrative, traditional or other official affairs of the Lame Emirate Council throughout the period of his suspension.
The government appointed the Senior Councillor of the Emirate Council, Alhaji Bala Abubakar Gumau, the Galadiman Lame, to oversee the day-to-day administration of the emirate pending the conclusion of the inquiry and further directives.
The statement said the suspension was a precautionary administrative measure aimed at protecting the integrity of the investigation, preventing possible interference with witnesses and official records, and reducing tensions in the community.
It, however, stressed that the allegations against the Emir remained subject to investigation and that he would be given the opportunity to defend himself in accordance with the principles of natural justice, fair hearing and due process.
The government said the actions were taken in the overriding interest of peace, public order and good governance, urging residents of the emirate, traditional titleholders, community leaders and youths to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies and the panel.
Lame was appointed alongside 13 new emirs in October 2025.
