Zamfara State House of Assembly Extends Suspension of Seven Lawmakers Over Misconduct Allegations
The Zamfara State House of Assembly voted to prolong the suspension of seven members for an additional legislative session, citing ongoing investigations into alleged misconduct and breaches of the House’s standing orders. The motion, tabled by Majority Leader Bello Muhammad Mazawajje and seconded by Ibrahim Garba Liman, received unanimous support during a plenary presided over by Speaker Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki.
According to a statement released by the Speaker’s office spokesperson Bello Madaro Kurya, the suspended lawmakers remain under investigation and the matter is still pending a court ruling. Mazawajje explained that the original suspension period had expired, but the continuing litigation requires a formal extension of the disciplinary action until judicial determination is reached.
The seven legislators affected are Bashir Abubakar, Bashir Aliyu, Nasiru Abdullahi, Faruku Musa Dosara, Amiru Ahmad Keta, Ibrahim T. Tukur and Bashir Bello. All were initially suspended for alleged violations of the House’s Standing Orders, though specific details of the misconduct have not been disclosed publicly.
The assembly’s decision underscores the body’s effort to uphold procedural integrity while respecting due‑process rights. By extending the suspension, the legislature signals that it will not resume the members’ duties until the courts have resolved the outstanding issues.
The extension is expected to remain in effect until the pending court case concludes. Observers note that the move may set a precedent for how state assemblies handle internal disciplinary matters that intersect with the judicial system. Further updates will follow as the legal process advances.