Daud Olatunji
A suspected associate of notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Maha, has allegedly given security operatives details of the operations of the group, including how he was used to procure food items, run errands and deliver ₦1m to a man in Matazu, Katsina State.
The suspect, identified as Nura Bakasati, was arrested in Sayaya, Matazu Local Government Area of the state, over his alleged links to the criminal network.
During questioning in Hausa, Bakasati allegedly disclosed details of his relationship with a man identified as Muhammadu, whom he said gave him cattle to rear and subsequently used him for various errands.
His account also touched on an operation in Sayaya during which seven people were killed around the Eid period, although his precise role in the killings remains a matter for investigators to establish.
Bakasati reportedly said his association with Muhammadu began after he was given cattle to rear.
He said some of the cattle were later stolen, after which Muhammadu gave him additional animals.
According to him, he eventually returned the cattle and was instructed to sell them and bring back the proceeds.
He said he continued to have contact with Muhammadu after the cattle were sold, although he claimed his subsequent activities largely involved going to the farm and running errands.
Bakasati reportedly told investigators that, shortly before the deadly incident in Sayaya, Muhammadu instructed him to look for people who could work on a farm.
He said he went to Sayaya but informed Muhammadu that there were few people available.
“I came and told him, ‘Muhammadu, there are not many people in Sayaya now,’” he reportedly said.
Bakasati claimed that despite knowing that people might not accept the offer, farming activities continued around Rini.
He reportedly identified several people who were present with him, including Ali, Mani, Idi Bango and Kawu Audu.
According to his account, some men later moved towards Sayaya, after which those at the outskirts heard gunshots.
“We heard gunshots and they entered,” he reportedly said.
He added that he and others fled after the shooting stopped.
‘They would attack whoever they found’
The suspect allegedly gave investigators a more detailed account of how the group operated.
He reportedly said Muhammadu had given him the instruction about two days before the operation.
According to him, the alleged pattern was that when people refused to work or cooperate, members of the group would subsequently move into the area.
He reportedly said: “They would go there, and whoever they found, depending on the situation, they would attack them. Whoever they could catch, they would shoot.”
The allegation, however, remains subject to investigation, and Bakasati’s account alone does not establish who ordered or carried out the killings.
Bakasati also allegedly admitted that he regularly purchased supplies for Muhammadu.
He reportedly said he bought spaghetti, cooking oil and soft drinks, among other items, when instructed to do so.
He allegedly named two other men, identified as Shagon Tuwo and Dangwal, as people who also helped procure supplies for the group.
According to him, Dangwal was from Farin Tafki and was also involved in purchasing food items for the alleged network.
Another major revelation in the interrogation was an alleged ₦1m cash delivery to a man identified as Isiyaka in Matazu.
Bakasati initially denied personally transferring money for Muhammadu.
He, however, reportedly told investigators that on one occasion Muhammadu gave money to Dangwal for safekeeping and subsequently instructed him and another man, identified as Aminu Farin Tafki, to collect and deliver it.
“Dangwal came and collected the money for us. We went to take it to Isiyaka,” he reportedly said.
Asked about the amount, Bakasati allegedly replied that it was ₦1m.
He reportedly identified Isiyaka as a trader dealing in motorcycle spare parts in Matazu and said the money was delivered to him personally.
However, Bakasati claimed he did not know what the money was intended for.
“Honestly, we only knew it was given to us to deliver. We were told to take it to him,” he reportedly said.
The suspect also allegedly confirmed that the delivery took place before the killings.
The revelations are significant because Maha’s group has been linked to attacks and abductions in parts of Katsina State.
The network has also been linked in reports to the abduction of retired General Rabe Abubakar and his wife. The retired military officer reportedly died while in captivity.
Bakasati’s arrest and interrogation could therefore provide investigators with leads on the alleged logistics and financial support structures behind the criminal network.
However, the allegations made during the interrogation require independent verification, including establishing the identities and roles of the persons named, the purpose of the alleged ₦1m transaction and the circumstances surrounding the seven deaths in Sayaya.
The authorities had yet to publicly announce the outcome of their investigation into Bakasati’s allegations as of the time of filing this report.
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