Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) is increasingly visible following increasing conflicts between farmers and herders in parts of the country. It is said to protect the interests of about 100, 000 Fulani herdsmen in the country. Its activities include “liaising with the government on behalf of pastoralists, land use rights, nomadic education and conflict resolution between pastoralists and farmers.”
But beneath the surface, the group may well have a hidden agenda. It exposed this secret side by going outside its sphere. MACBAN National President Dr Garus Gololo’s reaction to the US arrest warrant on embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and Head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force, Abba Kyari, said a lot about the group’s true colours.
Gololo said: “It is a shame that the Northern Elders Forum and other groups in the region would fold their hands and watch while sons of the north who have distinguished themselves in different fields are constantly being persecuted and maligned at the height of their careers.”
The United States Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, had issued a warrant for Kyari’s arrest based on his alleged links to Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, alias Hushpuppi, who is standing trial in America for various offences that include internet fraud and money laundering. Hushpuppi has pleaded guilty to the charges and is to be sentenced in October.
Notably, US court documents alleged that Abbas arranged to have an individual identified as ‘co-conspirator’ Kelly Chibuzor Vincent arrested and jailed in Nigeria by DCP Kyari. The police officer, described as “highly decorated,” also “allegedly sent Abbas bank account details for an account into which Abbas could deposit payment for Vincent’s arrest and imprisonment.” Kyari has been suspended by the Police Service Commission and the allegations against him are being investigated by a special panel.
Curiously, Gololo blamed Kyari’s situation on the US and its agency, the FBI, as well as some elements in the South of Nigeria, saying they usually connived to persecute “shining stars” from the northern region, “using the media.” He added that Kyari “mustn’t allow himself to be rattled,” describing him as “Nigeria’s future Inspector General of Police.”
It is unclear how MACBAN arrived at the conclusion that Kyari is a victim of persecution. The association’s standpoint, publicised even before the result of the police investigation is known, suggests that its leadership has a peculiar mindset. Kyari’s innocence in this matter won’t be determined by its bizarre perspective.
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