Two individuals have been apprehended by the Zamfara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for allegedly forging the signature of Marafan Gobir, a district head in the Sabon Birni local government Area of Sokoto. The suspects were paraded on Tuesday at the NSCDC headquarters in Gusau.

The Command’s spokesman, Ikor Oche, speaking on behalf of Mustafa, disclosed, “The suspects, identified as Bashir Bala, aged 30, from Unguwar Gwazar area of Gusau, and Usman Mohammed, aged 33, also known as Alh. GEDE from Lalan Area in Gusau metropolis, were nabbed for attempting to use the forged signature to claim ownership of 40 rustled cows.”

“The said suspects falsely claimed ownership of about 40 rustled cows, citing a forged document allegedly originating from Marafan Gobir Hakimin Sabon Birnin local government Area of Sokoto State,” stated Uche.

“On March 21, 2024, Bashir Bala was apprehended at the Zakat and endowment board where rustled animals are kept for claims by legitimate owners, presenting a suspected forged document bearing the name of Marafan Gobir Hakimim Sabon Birnin local government area of Sokoto State.”

“Upon preliminary investigation, Bala confessed that the document was indeed forged and was provided to him by Usman Mohammed, also known as Alh. Gede, who is a member of the committee,” added Uche.

Usman Mohammed, alias Alh. Gede, admitted to colluding with Bala to falsely assert ownership of the 40 rustled cows from the committee.

The suspects’ actions are in violation of sections 121, 63, and 59 of law no 18 of the Zamfara State Penal Code Law 2024.