Alhaji Bashir Hadejia, a well-connected figure often seen in the company of top Aso Villa occupants, has been arrested by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on charges of treason and subversion. Hadejia, who previously served as an aide to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, during Matawalle’s tenure as the Governor of Zamfara State, is now at the center of a serious investigation over his alleged links to terrorist activities.
The arrest of Hadejia has stirred significant public interest, especially after photos and videos of him in close proximity to prominent political figures began circulating on social media. One particularly striking image shows Hadejia accompanying Matawalle in 2020 as they presented gold bars to the then-President Muhammadu Buhari. This image, which has been widely shared online, was confirmed by Bashir Ahmad, an aide to Buhari, who posted on social media:
“President Muhammadu Buhari last night at his residence, the State House, Abuja, received Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Matawalle accompanied by Alhaji Bashir Hadejia. Gov. Matawalle was at the State House to present some gold bars and other precious stones mined in his State.”
In another photograph that has garnered attention, Hadejia is seen shaking hands with the current President Bola Tinubu. Additional images place him in the company of several high-ranking officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru.
The reasons behind Hadejia’s arrest are becoming clearer. According to U.S.-based Nigerian journalist Jackson Ude, the arrest may have been orchestrated by Matawalle himself, following allegations that Hadejia leaked sensitive information. Ude revealed:
“Armed Naval officials on Monday evening stormed the home of Bashir Hadejia, pouring some white substance suspected to be powdered teargas on his face, causing him to be unconscious and thereafter abducted him to an unknown destination on the orders of embattled Minister for State, Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle.”
Ude further suggested that Hadejia’s alleged betrayal involved leaking details about Matawalle’s purported role in facilitating the escape of Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, to Niger Republic, a move intended to avoid prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
