By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
Three years after linking him to activities of banditry by an online publication , Sokoto state former Commissioner for Carreer and Security Matters, Col. Garba Moyi (rtd) has described the allegation as baseless and unfounded attempt calculated to smear his image by the faceless publisher.
The publication allegedly linking him to activities of bandits in the eastern axis of Sokoto state went viral in 2021.
He said the publication crafted by the scam blogger ” Leader” alleging him as an accomplice aiding banditry , was calculated to ridicule , tarnish and maliciously drag his name to disrepute.
” The publication was untrue and politically motivated to portray him in bad light and destroy his had earned reputation “, he stated.
Moyi, a retired Army Col. and one time Chairman of Isa LG vehemently debunked the allegation during an interview with reporters in Sokoto Tuesday evening.
He said those behind the allegation were elements of destruction seeking cheap recognition and bent on bringing him down without facts .
According to him” While as Commissioner , I served with every sense of responsibility and commitment towards restoring lasting peace in the eastern axis of Sokoto state through driving a genuine process of peace initiatives that led to the laying down of arms by bandits for amnesty.
” This , it was done successfully and relative peace was returned in the eastern part of the state”, he explained.
The former Commissioner who served under the immediate past government of Aminu Wazirin Tambuwal said it was amazing to find one who was an accomplice to banditry activities keep enjoying life and moving freely for good three years without been made to face the law.
” This allegation happened in September 2021and we are now in 2025. Let me tell you, I sought a legal process to get to the blogger ( publisher ) of the story but to my surprise and those of my lawyers, no traces to the blogg” Leader’ till date”, he explained.
Moyi while clearing the air on his burnt house for allegedly bracing banditry by some elements for obvious political reasons, confirmed the incident with some explanations.
“Yes, my house was razed, but it had nothing to do with banditry. The same people who organized the burning were arrested, including their leaders. They were prosecuted in a competent court. The current administration later advised me to show leniency and withdraw the case, otherwise, they would have been convicted.”
The prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state said although he initially relied on his lawyers to trace and bring down the defamatory publication, he has now realized that engaging reputable media organizations may be a more effective route to clear his name publicly.
He urged the general public to disregard the publication in its entirety, noting that it was the handiwork of individuals who were uncomfortable with his rising political profile and past contributions to peace efforts in the state.
“I want the public to know that the entire allegation is false. I have no connection whatsoever with any bandit or criminal element. It was just a politically motivated attack aimed at bringing me down,” he concluded.
