Contempt Allegations: Bauchi Muslim Group Slams Govt Over Zaar Chiefdom

By Khalid Idris Doya

Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria

October 24, 2025(Series News Online)

The Bauchi State Muslim Parliament under Majlisshura Unity Foundation has accused the Bauchi State Government and Bauchi State House of Assembly of contempt of court over the creation of the Zaar Chiefdom and the decision to site its headquarters in Mhrim, Tafawa Balewa local government area.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Sheikh Yusuf Abdullahi Jahun, the foundation said the move violates an ongoing court case challenging the government's decision and ignores previous recommendations by several committees. "On behalf of the entire Muslim Community of Bauchi State, we find it necessary to draw the attention of the world on the bill passed by the Bauchi State House of Assembly and assented to by the State Governor, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, creating the Zaar Chiefdom and siting its headquarters in Mhrim in Tafawa Balewa as well as making the town a Sayawa District," the statement read.

The foundation recalled that in December 2024, the Bauchi state government announced the creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom out of the Bauchi Emirate, with its headquarters in Tafawa Balewa. It said the decision was widely rejected by the Muslim community through various Islamic organisations, citing historical grievances and security concerns. "Between 1991 and 2011, over 500 Muslims were killed in Tafawa Balewa and its environs, while 48 mosques were destroyed. No single house or shop belonging to the Muslims now exists in the town, and the entire Muslims of the town were displaced and are now residing as IDPs in other places," the foundation noted.

The Majlisshura Unity Foundation clarified that Muslims are not against the creation of the Sayawa Chiefdom but object to the siting of its headquarters in Tafawa Balewa. "We wish to state clearly that the action of the Bauchi state government at this moment is a grave injustice against the Muslims of Bauchi State," the foundation said.

The group also pointed out that none of the five committees previously constituted to address the Tafawa Balewa crisis recommended siting the Sayawa Chiefdom headquarters in Tafawa Balewa. Furthermore, the Muslim community of Tafawa Balewa has already filed a lawsuit (Suit No. BA/31/2025) against the Bauchi State Government, Governor Bala Mohammed, and other relevant bodies.

Sheikh Jahun stated that since the matter is before the court, the state government and all other parties are not permitted to take further action on the creation of the Zaar Chiefdom. "Their action is therefore considered a contempt of Court," he added. The group warned that ignoring the concerns of the Muslim community could have far-reaching political implications and called on the government to reconsider its stance.

End.