By Gbolahan Salman Sokoto
A former Commissioner for Security Matters in Sokoto State, Col. Garba Moyi (rtd), has debunked an online report linking him to banditry, describing the publication as false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his image.
The former commissioner, who served under the administration of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, said the allegation, which was published by an online platform called Leader, lacks any iota of truth and was fabricated by faceless individuals bent on damaging his reputation.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen in the state on Tuesday, Col. Moyi maintained that the report was not only baseless but also politically motivated by his detractors and opponents who never saw anything good in his public service.
“It’s a faceless and baseless allegation. During my tenure as Commissioner for Security, I was part of several meetings and peace-building initiatives aimed at resolving the banditry crisis in Sokoto State. Unfortunately, many of those peace efforts yield the expected results. But at no point was I ever involved with bandits,” he said.
He added that those behind the publication took advantage of the failed negotiations with bandits after he left office to spread falsehood against him, accusing him of collusion.
He however emphasized that since the alleged incident first surfaced in 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 a lie. The so-called author behind the claim is a scammer using an untraceable email address,” he added.
Col. Moyi revealed that he had instructed his lawyers to pursue legal action against the anonymous individual behind the defamatory publication. However, after an extensive investigation, his legal team was unable to identify any credible source or physical trace of the publisher, further proving the story was a smear campaign.
On the claim that his house was burned down as a result of his alleged ties to bandits, Col. Moyi confirmed that the incident did occur but clarified the circumstances.
“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 retired military officer and prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto said he has remained free and active since the allegations were made, with no legal action or investigation brought against him.“I move freely, attend public functions, and my name is mentioned everywhere without any consequences. That’s because there is no truth in the allegation whatsoever,” he stressed.
Col. Moyi 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.
