Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has suspended the Emir of Lame in Toro Local Government Area, Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame, over allegations of abuse of office, arbitrary exercise of authority and other acts of misconduct.
The governor also approved the establishment of a 12-member administrative panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations against the traditional ruler and submit its findings and recommendations within three weeks.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the governor’s spokesperson, Mukhtar Gidado, the decision followed the receipt of several formal petitions and intelligence reports from community leaders, stakeholders and security agencies.
The allegations against the Emir include unlawful interference in land administration, unauthorised collection of levies, interference in the operations of mining companies and other conduct considered inconsistent with the responsibilities of a traditional ruler.
The government said the alleged misconduct had reportedly generated tension within the Lame Emirate, raising concerns about public peace, security and harmonious coexistence in the area.
Gidado explained that the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had earlier requested explanations from the Emir in accordance with the principles of natural justice and fair hearing.
Although the traditional ruler submitted written responses, the government considered his explanations unsatisfactory, necessitating an independent administrative investigation to establish the facts.
The government, however, stressed that the allegations remained subject to investigation and assured that the Emir would be given an opportunity to defend himself before the panel.
The 12-member panel will be chaired by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sani Mohammed, while its membership includes retired DSS Director, Musa Mohammed Yankari, and representatives of the Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Natural Resources Development.
Other members represent the Toro Local Government Council, Local Government Service Commission and the Director of Chieftaincy Affairs in the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The panel is expected to examine relevant petitions, documents and evidence, invite concerned parties and give the Emir an opportunity to respond to the allegations before submitting its report to the government within three weeks.
The government said the Emir’s suspension would take immediate effect and remain in force pending the conclusion of the inquiry.
It described the suspension as a precautionary administrative measure intended to protect the integrity of the investigation, prevent possible interference with witnesses and official records, and ease tensions within the community.
During the period, the Emir has been directed to remain within the Lame Emirate unless authorised otherwise by the appropriate authority. He is also prohibited from interfering in the administrative, traditional and other official affairs of the Lame Emirate Council.
To ensure the continued administration of the emirate, the Senior Councillor of the Lame Emirate Council and Galadiman Lame, Alhaji Bala Abubakar Gumau, has been directed to oversee its day-to-day affairs in an interim capacity.
The state government urged residents, community leaders, traditional titleholders, youths and other stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding while cooperating with security agencies and the investigative panel.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the dignity, integrity and accountability of traditional institutions across the state.
Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Lame was appointed the first Second Class Emir of Lame following the creation of 13 additional emirates in Bauchi State. Governor Mohammed presented his appointment letter on October 25, 2025.