SaharaReporters has confirmed that Nuhu Mohammed Marafa (alias Babawo), a suspected financier of the terrorist group Boko Haram, is a close associate of Vice President Namadi Sambo. Two days ago, Nigerian soldiers arrested Mr. Marafa in Kaduna State for illegal possession of arms and ammunition. Our investigations established that the suspect was one of the Vice President’s major promoters when Mr. Sambo ran for the Kaduna governorship in 2007.
SaharaReporters has confirmed that Nuhu Mohammed Marafa (alias Babawo), a suspected financier of the terrorist group Boko Haram, is a close associate of Vice President Namadi Sambo. Two days ago, Nigerian soldiers arrested Mr. Marafa in Kaduna State for illegal possession of arms and ammunition. Our investigations established that the suspect was one of the Vice President’s major promoters when Mr. Sambo ran for the Kaduna governorship in 2007.
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Our sources revealed that the suspect ran a political organization for Sambo called “Namadi Ambassadors.”
The Vice President defeated Sani Sha’aban in the said 2007 election and was governor of Kaduna State until President Goodluck Jonathan invited him to be his running mate in the April 2011 election.
SaharaReporters investigations also revealed that Mr. Marafa is a prominent member of ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), duly registered in Sabon Garin Nasarawa Ward of Chikun local government area. A source told us, “He is one of the key players in the party and has great influence in the state’s political affairs.”
Following his arrest, there were misleading rumors that he had been set free. But Mr. Marafa was paraded before journalists yesterday, a confirmation that he was in custody. Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Edun, assistant director of public relations of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, stated that the accused and his son are in custody.
“The activities for which Alhaji Nuhu Mohammed Marafa attracted the attention of the Nigerian Army bordered on issues of national security. Specifically, it has to do with gun-running and suspected connection with and support for a terrorist group. After extensive surveillance, troops of 1 Division of Nigerian Army during the night of 13/14 January 2011, conducted a cordon-and-search operation on the compound of Alhaji Nuhu Mohammed Marafa, located at Tirkania, opposite IBBL Kaduna. Before troops could gain entry into the compound, there was a gunshot fired at the soldiers from the compound. It was later revealed that the shot was fired allegedly by Yusuf Nuhu Mohammed, the son of Alhaji Nuhu Mohammed Marafa. Yusuf escaped with the weapon by scaling the perimeter wall of the compound.” He was later arrested.
The military spokesman added: “It must be emphasized at this stage that investigations are still ongoing. Ultimately, the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate authority for further action at the end of investigations.”
The Nigerian Army gave a list of the following weapons reportedly found in their search of Mr. Marafa’s home:
9 mm ammunition—quantity 9
6 mm ammunition—quantity 5
7.62 ammunition (special) ammunition—quantity 1
7.62 mm (NATO) ammunition—quantity 11
Barrel Gun Cartridges—quantity 17
Pump Action Gun—quantity 1
Double Edged Special Axes—quantity 2
Machetes—quantity 3
An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) bomb in a Mirinda bottle, which if ignited could cause extensive damage.
Bows (metal)—quantity 2
Long Clubs (wood)—quantity 3.
Black Army Belt—quantity 1
Camouflage Belt—quantity 1
Two dog tags belonging to Nigerian Army D2004/1/55/1899 S Adamu and US Army 84637857 Rambo RH.
Nigerian Army camouflage trousers.
Two GSM Phones
10 pairs of vehicle plate numbers and 3 single vehicle plate numbers.
One whistle
1 X passport each of Alhaji Nuhu Mohammed Marafa (aka Babawo) and his son Mohammed Yusuf Nuhu.
A novel titled The Last Duty by Isidore Okpewho.
1 driver’s license
1 group photograph
2 voters cards
7 GSM Sim Packs
1 Computer bag containing GSM phone accessories.
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