FACT-CHECK: Was Bashir Hadejia Arrested for Treason  and Subversion Against the State?

FACT-CHECK: Was Bashir Hadejia Arrested for Treason  and Subversion Against the State?

CLAIM: A post by netizens on social media claiming one of Nigeria’s elites named Alhaji Bashir Hadejia, has been arrested by Department of State Service (DSS) for an alleged treasonable offense. Other posts claimed that he was an aide to former Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle (the current Minister of State for Defence). 

PRNigeria discovered that photos and videos of the suspect with prominent politicians and celebrities emerged on social media shortly after his arrest became public.

A search for his name on Facebook revealed a photo of him with former President Muhammadu Buhari during an event at the State House, where former Governor Matawalle presented gold bars and other precious stones mined in his State. 

Additionally, pictures of him with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (Current Defence Minister), the National Security Adviser, Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu, and other prominent Nigerians were found, though details regarding the occasions of these meetings were not public.

Furthermore, a keyword search revealed that some National dailies have reported that Hadejia is with the security force undergoing investigation.  

The Nation published, “Alhaji Bashir Hadejia who was arrested a few days ago is under investigation, Nigeria Police Force said on Sunday, August 18.

“A search warrant issued to the Nigeria Police Force, FCT Police Command, dated August 12, 2024, showed that the suspect was accused of “treason and subversion against the state”

The force told the public that the suspect has been undergoing serious interrogations since his arrest, noting that more issues will be cleared. 

Meanwhile, one Anas Abdullahi Kaura has distanced the State Minister for Defence, Bello Matawalle, from the suspect, Bashir Hadejia, saying the former governor has no personal relationship with the minister  aside from political connections through some leading members of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, when he was governor of Zamfara State. 

However, PRNigeria contacted the spokesperson of the Department of State Security Service, Dr Peter Afunaya, by calling twice and messaging him but he has yet to respond to any as of the time of publishing this report. 

CONCLUSION: Findings by PRNigeria reveals that though Alhaji Bashir Hadejia who had relationships with public functionaries was allegedly arrested for treason and subversion as claimed by some media but the reports lacks official confirmation from the relevant authorities.

Therefore, PRNigeria, concludes that the suspect is under investigation for other reasons, but treason and subversion charges remain unsubstantiated at this time.

By PRNigeria