Toba Owojaiye Reporting
The Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has called on the Department of State Security (DSS) to release Alhaji Aminu Yaro Dogara, the Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos State and Chairman of the Council of Arewa Chiefs in Southern Nigeria.
The CNF expressed concern over Dogara’s alleged connection to the ongoing investigation of the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele. The group emphasized that Dogara is not a staff member of the apex bank but a traditional ruler and the leader of the Hausa community in Lagos.
Mohammed Danlami, Chairman of the CNF’s Board of Trustees, described Dogara as a peaceful and unifying leader who played a vital role in bringing together the divided Arewa community in Lagos and resolving long-standing rivalries and tensions. The CNF pointed out that even President Bola Tinubu, hailing from Lagos, is aware of Dogara’s contributions and his significance in promoting harmony among different ethnic groups in the state.
The CNF expressed disappointment in the actions of the DSS, which they viewed as a charade and a show of shame by a security agency deviating from its mandated responsibilities. They considered the arrest of Alhaji Aminu Yaro Dogara as an affront to Arewa tradition and a deliberate attempt to humiliate their leaders.
The CNF warned against allowing such actions to go unchallenged, as they believed it could lead to the establishment of internal colonialism by an authority for whom they had willingly voted, despite moral, historical, and integrity-related concerns.
Furthermore, the CNF denounced the arrest of Dogara’s wife, considering it an attack on the sacred Arewa culture. They highlighted her innocence and lack of any negative public incidents. The CNF demanded the immediate and unconditional release of both the traditional leader and his wife, asserting that the law should be followed by charging the case in court rather than prolonging their detention.
It should be noted that allegations have emerged regarding Dogara’s wife’s employment at Zenith Bank and the alleged deposit of 130 billion Naira in her account, along with a total of 407 billion Naira across three separate accounts.