Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has dismissed claims that he received money or vehicles during peace talks with the Zamfara State Government. He insisted that he has never seen ₦5 million in his life, let alone ₦30 million.
Turji made the claim in a viral video shared on social media. In the footage, he rejected allegations that he gained financially from discussions with government officials. He said his actions were not driven by personal gain.
The video followed accusations by Musa Kamarawa, a former peace mediator appointed by the Sokoto and Zamfara state governments. Kamarawa alleged that Turji collected ₦30 million during meetings with former Zamfara State Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle, now Minister of State for Defence. He also claimed that officials shared vehicles during talks in Gusau.
‘I’ve Never Seen ₦5m,’ Turji Insists
However, Turji rejected the allegations and described them as false.
“By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even ₦5m,” he said. “What I am doing is not for personal gain. We were never given the ₦30m you are talking about.”
He accused Kamarawa of betraying the trust built during the negotiations and spreading false information.
“We agreed on peace when the Zamfara State government appointed you,” Turji said. “But what you are saying now is full of lies and deceit. I did not even receive ₦3m.”
Bandit Leader Rejects Political Ties
Turji also denied working for any politician or interest group. He said no individual sponsors or controls his activities.
“We are not politicians, and we are not tools of politicians,” he said. “There is no human being backing us.”
He blamed past political leaders for fuelling insecurity before the Matawalle administration. Turaji named former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa and former Zamfara State Governor Ahmed Yerima. He also called for their arrest and investigation.
Although Turji did not address any ongoing engagement with the Federal Government, he said he spoke in self-defence.
“I am speaking before Allah alone,” he said.
Residents Express Concern
Meanwhile, residents of Sokoto State have expressed concern over the renewed exchanges. They warned that political interests may be driving the controversy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A community leader in Sokoto metropolis, Alhaji Sani Aliyu, said the debate had shifted attention away from real security issues.
“Ordinary people are the ones suffering while politicians trade accusations,” he said.
Despite Turji’s claims, Nigerian security agencies continue to list him among the most dangerous bandit leaders in the North-West. He remains wanted as military operations against armed groups continue across the region.
