Sen Ndume’s Aide, Supporters Arrested in Borno

Police in Borno State have apprehended the legislative aide of Senator Ali Ndume along with two of his supporters in Biu town. The detainees have been transferred to Maiduguri, the state capital.

Amina Kachalla, the wife of the arrested aide, Shehu Usman Aliyu (also known as Babandi), confirmed the arrest of her husband and two other individuals, Tasiu Hassan Malgwi and Ibrahim Adamu. “I’m appealing to the police to release my husband. He is our breadwinner and we have been suffering since the day he was arrested,” she pleaded.

Kenneth Daso, the spokesman for the Borno State Police Command, verified the arrests, citing an intelligence report as the basis. “It was based on intelligence that they were arrested and the investigation is ongoing. I will follow up the case and keep you updated,” he stated. While Daso did not disclose further details, supporters suggested the arrests were linked to a cancelled rally planned in solidarity with Senator Ndume following his removal as Senate Chief Whip.

Last week, plans for the rally, which was to include various youth and women’s groups, clubs, and associations, were shelved due to concerns over the state’s fragile security situation. A press statement from Ndume’s Senior Legislative Aide (Media), Junaid Jubrin Maiva, announced the rally’s cancellation, citing potential conflicts with a proposed nationwide protest and fears of disruptions.

A source from Biu revealed that the arrests occurred last Sunday, with the individuals being taken by armed policemen to Maiduguri for questioning. Reports indicate that the police have obtained a court order to detain the suspected rally organizers until investigations are concluded.