Former Commissioner for Security Matters in Sokoto State, Retired Colonel Garba Moyi,
By ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto –
Former Commissioner for Security Matters in Sokoto State, Retired Colonel Garba Moyi, has vehemently denied allegations linking him to banditry, describing the claims as “false, baseless, and politically motivated.”
The allegations surfaced in an online publication on September 26, 2021, which sparked widespread concern. Moyi attributed the publication to detractors seeking to tarnish his reputation
Moyi emphasized his involvement in peace-building initiatives during his tenure as Commissioner for Security, stating, “At no point was I ever involved with bandits.” He also clarified that his house was razed in 2021, but it had nothing to do with banditry. Instead, the perpetrators were arrested, tried, and later advised to show leniency by the current administration.
Reflecting on what could have led to the publication, Col. Moyi said, after he left office, those behind had failed negotiations with bandits and began to spread falsehood of possible collision against him.
On why the mischievously fabricated story is laughable, Col. Moyi said, since 2021, no law enforcement agency has invited or indicted him.
“If the allegation were true, from 2021 till now is about four years. I would have been arrested or prosecuted. But nothing of that nature has happened because it’s all lie. I move about freely to any part of the state and outside to attend public functions.
“And funny enough, the so-called author behind the claim is a scammer using an untraceable email address.
While noting that all extensive search to trace the author of the defamatory story and the publisher by his team of lawyers proved unsuccessful, Col. Moyi however said his next possible line of action could be either to report to the Nigeria Press Council or the Nigeria Union of Journalists to help him trace the publisher.
The retired military officer therefore 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,”Col. Moyi noted.
