In a significant crackdown, Nigerian authorities have apprehended a man identified as Bashir Hadeja, suspected of involvement in treason, subversive activities, and a range of transnational crimes, including gun-running and money laundering. The arrest, which took place over the weekend, follows extensive intelligence reports linking Hadeja to a network of illegal activities across borders.
Hadeja is accused of smuggling large caches of weapons and gold bars, reportedly stolen from the Central Bank of Libya. The Nigerian police, acting on intelligence, intercepted Hadeja, who allegedly used his illegal gold trade as a cover for arms trafficking. His operations are believed to have fueled terrorism and other criminal activities in Nigeria’s northern states.
In a confession obtained during interrogation, Hadeja admitted to funding the participation of numerous youths in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests that swept across Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Abuja. He also confessed to sponsoring an attack on the Jigawa State APC headquarters, further deepening his ties to political unrest.
Authorities discovered incriminating evidence during their investigation, including documents related to impersonation, tracking high-profile individuals, and an international passport from the Republic of Vanuatu set to expire in September 2030. A video also surfaced, showing Hadeja displaying gold bars embossed with the statue of Gaddafi, believed to have been stolen from the Libyan Central Bank.
As investigations continue, Hadeja is reportedly cooperating with authorities, providing information on his sponsors and other associates, including a former director of the Department of State Security Service (DSS). The revelations from this case could have far-reaching implications for national security and political stability in Nigeria.
