The Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, removed a village head in the state after allegations that put him on trial in a case of kidnap and rape. The action has provoked anger within the community and intensified calls for the traditional leaders to be held accountable.
The village head, whose name was not publicized, was removed after an extensive report by authorities in Kafur Local Government Area. The report indicted him of kidnapping and assaulting a young woman in the area.
The Emirate Council promptly followed up on the revelations by stripping him of his title and removing him from office. A new one is about to be announced.
Flashback:
It is not the first time Nigerian traditional leaders have dominated headlines for facing criticism over criminal charges. There have been several district and village heads across the North removed in recent years for associations with banditry, land disputes, or abuse of office. Emirate councils often act swiftly to protect the prestige of traditional institutions.
In this recent case, residents in Kafur appreciated the ruling. Most of them showed that they had lost trust in the former head of the village and were pleased that justice would come through official probing and prosecution.
The Katsina Emirate Council has cautioned all title-holders that they should ensure peace, justice, and dignity in their communities. Abuse of trust, it held, will not be tolerated.
Police are still investigating, and the accused can expect to be charged once the evidence supports the claims.
Finally, the dethronement is a powerful reminder that everybody is equal before the law, and that traditional titles carry responsibility, not exemption.
