The already simmering pot of insecurity in the North has just been stirred, this time with explosive allegations linking a senator to bandit kingpins. A man known as Hassan has surfaced, claiming a childhood friendship with the infamous bandit leader Dogo Gide, and says this connection gave him intimate access to circles he believes are tied to the senator.
Hassan’s story, which has gone viral online, paints a picture of a man who observed unsettling activities around the senator’s residence. He says his education allowed him to document what he considered suspicious behaviour, even secretly recording interactions. He claims his familiarity with Dogo Gide and others stemmed from knowing them before they turned to banditry, growing up in the same community with Gide, who he says had limited formal education and struggled with mobile phones – a weakness Hassan allegedly exploited to get recordings.
The senator, however, has hit back hard, vehemently denying any links to banditry. He challenged Hassan to present any evidence to the relevant security agencies. According to the lawmaker, the matter has already been reported to security authorities, investigations have led to arrests, and the case is now in court. He claims his relationship with Hassan began when the young man approached his foundation as an orphan needing help with his education, and that he supported Hassan’s schooling. The senator stated he became concerned when Hassan dropped out to pursue car dealing.
Hassan further alleged that his secret recordings were discovered at the senator’s residence, leading to an alleged assassination plot. He claims Dogo Gide, despite their different paths, warned him, allowing him to escape Nigeria with what he believes is crucial evidence, though some was lost in his flight. Hassan’s recent accusations named the senator he had previously accused without identifying him, claiming individuals linked to Gide were brought to Abuja, a development he connects to people close to the senator. These claims, it must be stressed, have not been independently verified.
Dogo Gide himself is no stranger to security reports. Back in May 2021, he was identified as a leader of bandit groups operating in Niger and Kaduna states. Even as recently as October 2023, the Nigeria Police reported that a suspect arrested for the Yauri school abduction confessed to participating alongside Kachala Dogo Gide, described by police as a gang leader commanding about 100 men during that raid.
The senator, meanwhile, insists Hassan secretly took photographs and recorded videos of visitors to his home before their relationship soured. He reiterates his denial of any involvement in banditry and points to the ongoing legal process as proof that complaints were lodged and arrests made based on Hassan’s earlier allegations.