By Our Correspondent

A Magistrate Court sitting in Zone 6, Abuja, has ordered the remand of Arc. Kabir Ibrahim, a former president of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), at the Keffi Correctional Centre on charges of impersonation, criminal intimidation, and incitement.

In his ruling, Magistrate Ekpeyong held that Ibrahim had exceeded his lawful tenure but refused to relinquish office, despite the election of Dr. Farouk Rabiu Mudi as AFAN’s national president in 2021. The court noted that Ibrahim had lost at both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, yet continued to parade himself as president, in contravention of Sections 132, 397, and 114 of the Penal Code.

“Your persistent acts of impersonation and intimidation are unlawful and capable of causing public disorder within AFAN and beyond,” the judge declared.

Unable to meet his bail conditions, Ibrahim was remanded in custody pending trial.

Reacting to the judgment, Dr. Mudi accused Ibrahim of sabotaging AFAN’s programmes and frustrating investment opportunities in the agricultural sector. He alleged that Ibrahim wrote letters to the Nigeria Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and Tingo Mobile, actions which, according to him, undermined farmers’ access to loans and foreign investment.

“These deliberate acts deprived millions of farmers of opportunities meant to boost food security and strengthen the agricultural value chain,” Mudi said.

Meanwhile, police confirmed the arrest of another associate, Chief Okafor, who allegedly styled himself as AFAN vice president. Security agencies are still tracking other alleged accomplices across the country.

The case has been adjourned for continuation of hearing.

By Our Correspondent

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Gombe State Chapter, has raised alarm over alleged irregularities in the distribution of the 2024/2025 fertilizer scheme by the state’s Ministry of Agriculture, warning that students may take to the streets in mass protest if the government fails to act.

In a statement signed by the state chairman, Comrade Usman Ibrahim Wakili CNS, NANS expressed “serious concern” about what it described as diversion, hoarding, favoritism, and lack of transparency in the allocation process.

According to the student body, these activities have eroded public trust and sabotaged government’s efforts at boosting agriculture and guaranteeing food security in Gombe State.

“We therefore demand an immediate and thorough investigation by His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, into the fertilizer distribution exercise. Those found guilty of sabotaging this process must be exposed and brought to book without delay,” the statement read.

The association stressed that failure of the government to act swiftly would leave Nigerian students in the state with no choice but to mobilize for peaceful protests in solidarity with farmers and the general public, who they described as the direct victims of the alleged injustice.

“As the voice of Nigerian students, we cannot fold our arms while corruption and mismanagement deny our people access to essential resources meant for their welfare and survival,” NANS warned.

The group urged Governor Inuwa Yahaya to demonstrate accountability by ensuring that fertilizers reach genuine farmers at the right time and affordable price, emphasizing that transparency and fairness are the only way to restore confidence in the process.

NANS further vowed to defend these values “through every lawful means available, including peaceful demonstrations.”

By Our Correspondent

Former Special Adviser on Information Management and Strategy to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara, has released a scathing open letter accusing top officials of the Gombe State Government of conspiracy, victimization, and gross mismanagement of public resources.

In the strongly worded letter dated September 7, 2025, Gara said he was compelled to go public in order to “circumvent bureaucratic bottlenecks” and ensure that the people of Gombe State were fully aware of what he described as a “coordinated gang-up” against him.

“I have supported you more than enough,” Gara wrote, addressing Governor Inuwa Yahaya directly. “I have respected you, sacrificed for you, and defended your government with my little resources. But your officials and appointees have now conspired against me, provoking me to fight you, though I exercised restraint out of respect.”

Allegations of Mismanagement in Sports Sector

Gara linked his current ordeal to his persistent queries about alleged corruption in Gombe’s sports sector. He alleged that some government officials mismanaged funds allocated for the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, proceeds from the sale of Gombe United players abroad, and allocations to Gombe Bulls Basketball Club.

He further listed the disappearance of 12 trophies he personally donated, two coaster buses reportedly auctioned at ₦39,000, synthetic pitch rolls meant for Pantami Stadium, and furniture and tractors allegedly missing from the facility.

According to Gara, the recent dissolution of sports associations in the state was politically motivated and targeted at silencing him.

“I Worked Without Support”

The former adviser recounted his service under Governor Yahaya, claiming he operated his office without official funding. He said he printed his own letterhead, bought office supplies from personal resources, and even repaired his chair at Government House.

“As your adviser, I visited 22 media houses within and outside Gombe to promote your government, all with my own money. I never received a kobo for such activities. That was why I refused any second-term reappointment,” he said.

Fallout Over Morocco Trip

Gara also revealed details of a $67,000 sponsorship he facilitated from Moroccan investors to support Governor Yahaya’s delegation, including the Emir of Gombe. He claimed that despite the governor personally signing agreements during the trip, no follow-up was made, leaving the investors disappointed and branding him untrustworthy.

“Instead of rewarding my effort, I was given only $1,500 estacode and ₦6m commission on tickets. Meanwhile, those who invested heavily in the trip were abandoned while government pursued other partners for the livestock project,” Gara lamented.

Calls for Accountability

He urged Governor Yahaya to compel his appointees to account for past mismanagement, citing reports by the Auditor-General and pending probes into agencies such as Gombe Line, Bubayero Microfinance Bank, BESDA, COVID-19 palliatives, and others.

Gara said while those indicted in official scandals have not faced reprisals, he is the one being victimized by state machinery.

“The Battle is Drawn”

In conclusion, Gara warned that he has “put on his seatbelt” and is prepared for any fallout. He disclosed that his lawyers and civil society groups have been placed on standby to respond to further actions against him.

“I am bitter, I was wronged. Your Excellency, you have a chance to call all of them to order and possibly ask them to apologize,” he said, warning that the matter may escalate if left unresolved.

The Gombe State Government has yet to issue an official response to Gara’s allegations.