Zamfara Youth Concerns Citizens (ZYCC)has formally petitioned the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) accusing Hon Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki of promoting terrorism and impersonating the military.
The chairman of the group,Hon.Comrade Anas Abdullahi Kaura, submitted the petition citing serious criminal allegations ranging from unlawful possession of firearms, impersonation, treachery, and violations of the Terrorism Prevention Act.
According to the complaint, Bilyaminu and unnamed collaborators were allegedly seen between the 7th and 9th of June in several villages of Zurmi Local Government Area—Moriki, Magarya, Kayawa, Doguwar Gona, Koya, Jaya, and Alasanawa—dressed in full military uniform while displaying arms in a convoy.
Kaura said: “Petition against Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki for promoting and supporting terrorism, impersonating military personnel, criminally using military uniforms, publishing content to cause public fear with military insignia, falsely representing the military, committing treason, unlawfully possessing firearms, and engaging in treachery against Nigeria, in violation of Sections 252 of the Armed Forces Act, Sections 133 and 179 of the Penal Code, Sections 37, 41, 43, 59, 110, 132, 251, and 484 of the Criminal Procedure Code, and Sections 1(1)(a), (c), 1(2)(b)(ii), 4(1)(a), 7(1)(a & b), and 8(a & b) of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011.”
Anas accused Bilyaminu of deliberately spreading photographs and videos of these activities on Facebook through the accounts of Mugira Yusuf, Yusan TV, Kabir Lawal, Abdulazeez Lawal, and others.
“These acts were committed with impunity and designed to deceive local communities into believing Bilyaminu was an officer of the Nigerian Army conducting legitimate operations,” Anas stated in the petition.
He warned that the imagery circulated had caused fear among residents, many of whom believed the illegal activities had the backing of the military.
The petition urged the agency to investigate the source of the firearms displayed in the videos and whether they were linked to arms trafficking or terror groups operating in Zamfara under the guise of local vigilantes.
Anas insisted that the case must not be taken lightly, stressing the importance of prosecuting individuals who undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s armed forces and worsen the security crisis in the region.
He added that he and other concerned citizens were prepared to provide evidence against Bilyaminu to aid the investigation and ensure justice is served.
“This is a call for urgent national attention. The fight against terrorism cannot succeed if people like Bilyaminu are allowed to act with impunity,” he said.
The petition is grounded in sections of the Armed Forces Act, the Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Terrorism Prevention Act of 2011, which Anas referenced in urging the agency to act swiftly.