Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Stands Firm: Fake Claims About Freeing Bandits Exposed
In a powerful display of African leadership defending truth against manufactured lies, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has been completely vindicated after thorough investigations exposed false claims about him allegedly pardoning convicted bandits.
The controversy began when a mysterious group calling itself "Human Rights Watchdog in Africa" emerged from nowhere in late November 2025, making wild accusations that Governor Lawal had secretly freed 69 convicted bandits through a so-called "Religious Amnesty" program.
The Truth Emerges: Phantom Organization Exposed
Investigative journalists conducted extensive background checks and made a shocking discovery. The so-called "Human Rights Watchdog in Africa" and its supposed Executive Director, Samson Adamu, simply do not exist. Zero digital footprint, no registration with Nigeria's Corporate Affairs Commission, no physical address, and no legitimate contact information.
This phantom organization materialized out of thin air just days before making these damaging allegations against a governor who has consistently taken a hard stance against banditry.
What Really Happened: Humanitarian Work, Not Bandit Release
The Zamfara State Zakat and Endowment Board has been doing incredible humanitarian work, facilitating the release of 909 debt inmates between 2024 and 2025. These were people convicted of civil cases who had proven their good character while imprisoned, not violent criminals.
Executive Secretary Habib Muhammad Balarabe revealed that the board secured freedom for 473 inmates in 2024 and released ₦67.2 million this year to settle debts for 436 more inmates. The board also empowered 200 women entrepreneurs with ₦50,000 each and provided starter packs to 100 women after poultry training.
Governor Lawal's Unwavering Anti-Bandit Stance
Governor Lawal has been crystal clear about his position on bandits. Speaking at the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja on October 29, 2025, he strongly opposed federal government peace deals with bandits, declaring that "reconciliation without control equates to surrender."
"Allowing armed groups to keep their weapons while setting peace terms simply delays violence and compromises state sovereignty," the governor stated with conviction.
His spokesperson, Suleman Bala Idris, dismissed the allegations as "a juvenile work of fiction" and "a figment of the imagination of some failed politicians in Abuja whose political career is in jeopardy because of their links with bandits."
African Leadership Under Attack
This incident highlights how dedicated African leaders face coordinated disinformation campaigns designed to undermine their credibility and distract from their transformative work. Governor Lawal's "Rescue Mission revolution" in Zamfara State continues to deliver results for the people.
The investigation has conclusively established that the Human Rights Watchdog in Africa and its claims are completely FALSE. Governor Dauda Lawal never pardoned or released any convicted bandits, period.
This victory for truth demonstrates the importance of thorough journalism in protecting African leaders from malicious attacks and ensuring the real story reaches the people.