‘How Taraba State Governor, APC, PDP Funded ‘Kidnap Kingpin’ In Millions For 2019 Election’

The kidnap kingpin, Alhaji Bala Hamisu aka Wadume, (33), has have a graphic details of how he reportedly defrauded some politicians, including Darius Ishaku, governor of Taraba state, who allegedly gave him N6 million.

According to New Telegraph, Wadume who spoke in a confessional statements also alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) gave him N13 million for the February 23 presidential election. 

His words: “I went into crime after some politicians approached me through a friend, Babaginda Musa. My friend was into fishing too. I was introduced into politics by Honourable Haruna Maintable, who contested for the state house of assembly during the 2015 general elections.

“He gave me vehicle and I campaigned for him. He won and later gave me N300, 000 and the vehicle we used in the campaign.”

He explained that prior to the 2019 election, in June 2018, he fooled many politicians contesting for different political offices.

He was able to make them believe he had spiritual powers, which he could use to make them win elections.

Many of them bought the pack of lies. Interestingly, one of his victim is the present governor of his state.

According to him: “I also defrauded the present governor. When the governor came to Ibi, he met youths in my town, and as the leader of the youth, the governor came to me.

“I promised to work for him. I also promised to consult some mallams to pray for his success. The governor gave me N2 million on that day and we exchanged phone numbers. A week before the election, the governor called and asked me to meet him at government house.

“When I got there, he gave me N4 million cash, saying that I should continue praying for him. After the election, the governor called and thanked me.’’

Beside the governor, he confessed to defrauding a top civil servant in the state: ‘‘I also defrauded a top civil servant. He is from Ibi; I defrauded him of the sum of N30 million.

“I was also given N13 million by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to pursue the 2019 presidential election. I spent only N7 million.

“I contested for the Taraba State House of Assembly under the YDP Ibi Local Government. I pulled out of the election and took my supporters to support the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).”

Reacting to the claims, when contacted by TheCable, Lanre Issa-Onilu, APC spokesman, said he is not aware of any such transaction.

“I don’t know anything about that. When I have the full details, I’d know whether to respond or not.  I haven’t heard anything like that,” he said.

“And I also understand he is under investigation, so we should allow the police do their job.”

Bala Dan Abu, spokesman of Taraba governor, said he could not confirm the suspect’s claim.

“I’d have to find out and get back to you,” he told TheCable over the telephone