The three-member investigative panel set up by the Niger State Government to probe allegations of gross misconduct against the suspended Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government, Aminu Yakubu Ladan, held its inaugural hearing on Thursday at the IBB Guest House, Minna.

The committeee, inaugurated by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago under Section 31(3) of the Niger State Local Government Law 2001 (As Amended), is tasked with conducting a thorough investigation and making recommendations to the state government.

The panel Is chaired by Justice Abdullahi Mikhail of the Niger State High Court, with Barrister Bala Marika and Abubakar Salisu as members. Its mandate is to examine allegations of gross misconduct cited in resolutions dated July 10, 2025 and July 28, 2025, submitted by the majority of Chanchaga councillors.

At the inaugural sitting, Justice Mikhail revealed that the committee had received a letter from the counsel of the suspended chairman, Barrister Anthony Orifuminshe, notifying it of a pending suit filed against the councillors. The letter referenced an interim order previously granted by the Minna High Court restraining the suspension and impeachment of Mr. Ladan.

“We were given very short notice which could not enable my client to prepare and appear at the inaugural hearing,” Barrister Orifuminshe told the panel.

However, counsel to the committee, Mohammed Nurain Baba, objected, arguing that the interim order was no longer effective since the case had been transferred to the High Court Suleja to commence afresh (de novo).

Ruling on the matter, Justice Mikhail upheld the committee’s position, stating that the earlier interim order was ineffective. He acknowledged the short notice given to the suspended chairman and directed that a new notification be issued, instructing Mr. Ladan to appear before the committee on Monday, 25th August 2025.

“The suspended chairman will be duly notified to ensure his presence at the next sitting,” the committee chair said.

The panel’s proceedings mark the beginning of what is expected to be a comprehensive probe into the alleged misconduct, with implications for governance and accountability in Chanchaga Local Government. (The Guardian)