Police authorities have arrested Bashir Hadeja, a prominent northern businessman, over alleged treason, gun running, and other trans-border crimes. Hadeja, from Kaduna state, was apprehended after information surfaced about him smuggling large quantities of weapons and gold bars believed to have been stolen from the Central Bank of Libya.
The businessman has also been accused of money laundering and other transnational crimes. He was arrested for subversive activities against the government, including sponsoring terrorism and other forms of criminality in northern Nigeria.
During interrogation, Hadeja confessed to sponsoring youths who participated in the #EndBadFovernance Protests and the attack on Jigawa state APC headquarters. Incriminating documents, including tracking documents of high-profile personalities and an international passport, were found on him.
A video showing Hadeja displaying gold bars worth one ton, believed to have been stolen from the Libyan Central Bank, was also discovered. He is currently cooperating with the investigation, naming his sponsors and allies, including a former DSS director.
Reacting to the arrest, Johannes Tobi Wujola, a former FIRS spokesperson, described Hadeja’s apprehension as one of the biggest arrests of the decade. Wujola anticipated a strong backlash from those connected to Hadeja, expecting unforced confessions and more arrests as the investigation unfolds.
