ABUJA — Tension is brewing across parts of Northern Nigeria following growing calls for the release of Musa Nura Aljan, a local hunter celebrated for his role in combating banditry but now serving a 45-year prison sentence under controversial circumstances.
The Arewa Youth Ambassadors (AYA), a coalition of northern youth leaders, issued a strongly worded statement on Monday demanding Aljan’s immediate and unconditional release. The group, led by Comrade Yahaya M. Abdullahi, described his imprisonment as “a national injustice against one of the North’s bravest civilian defenders.”
A Hunter Turned Hero—Then Prisoner
For years, Aljan worked alongside security forces, tracking violent gangs, gathering intelligence, and aiding in operations that led to the arrest of several notorious bandits. His actions reportedly helped restore calm to volatile communities across Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Bauchi, and Niger States.
AYA recalled one of Aljan’s most notable exploits in December 2019, when he led a daring operation along the Kaduna–Abuja highway. The raid resulted in the recovery of over 1,000 stolen cattle, seizure of multiple AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, and thousands of rounds of live ammunition.
Aljan, the group added, also rejected a ₦2 million bribe offered by the bandits in exchange for safe passage through Rijana forest. His moral stance and courage earned him wide acclaim among locals and traditional rulers.
“Framed After Helping Security Agencies”
However, AYA claims Aljan’s troubles began shortly after assisting in the arrest of suspected bandits in Bauchi State. According to the group, community leaders confirmed that Aljan had handed over the suspects and their weapons to the police, only for him to be arrested and charged himself soon afterward.
“Rather than being commended for his courage, he was framed and prosecuted,” the statement read. “The same man who risked his life for his community is now behind bars, while the bandits he helped expose roam free.”
The youth leaders described the situation as a “disturbing case of injustice and betrayal of national heroes.”
Call for Presidential Intervention
AYA urged President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, and the National Human Rights Commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding Aljan’s conviction. They argued that his imprisonment undermines local collaboration with the armed forces and discourages other civilians from assisting in security operations.
“Every day that Musa Aljan remains in prison, trust between citizens and security agencies erodes further,” Abdullahi warned. “If people who defend their communities end up in jail, who will stand up against bandits tomorrow?”
A Call for Justice and Recognition
The group further appealed to traditional rulers, northern elders, and civil society organisations to rally in Aljan’s defence, describing him as “a patriot whose only crime was protecting his people when the system failed them.”
They demanded an urgent judicial review of his case, stressing that Aljan deserves state recognition, not imprisonment.
“Musa Aljan is not a criminal,” AYA concluded. “He is a hero who deserves a medal, not a prison cell.”
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