By Paul Joseph
A Nigerian whistleblower, Mubarak Bello, has been re-arraigned by the Nigeria Police Force before a Federal High Court in Katsina over alleged unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition,
Bello, who previously exposed an alleged payroll fraud within the Katsina State Police Command, was charged on March 23, 2026, following his earlier discharge by a magistrate court.
The fresh charge focuses solely on alleged illegal possession of a locally made firearm, four rounds of live ammunition, and two expended cartridges.
The whistleblower had initially faced multiple charges in 2025, including impersonation and possession of a forged police ID card.
However, those charges were dismissed earlier in March 2026, prompting authorities to file a new case centered on firearms possession under the Firearms Act.
According to police prosecutors, Bello was intercepted during a routine patrol in September 2025 while driving through Kofar Durbi quarters, where the weapon and ammunition were allegedly discovered.
The prosecution plans to call key witnesses, including arresting and investigating officers, as well as a forensic expert.
Bello’s legal troubles are closely tied to his role in exposing a suspected multi-million-naira payroll fraud within the Katsina police command.
He had petitioned agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, alleging the insertion of “ghost workers” into the police salary system.
According to his claims, fictitious names were added to payroll records, with salaries diverted into accounts allegedly linked to officers within the command’s finance unit. Some investigators reportedly found elements of his claims credible, though efforts to question implicated officers were said to have stalled.
Bello has maintained that his arrest and prosecution are attempts to silence him. He alleges that since reporting the fraud in 2019, he has faced repeated threats, harassment, and violent attacks, including a machete assault in 2024 that left him seriously injured.
He also claimed that police officers raided his home and office, confiscating documents related to his allegations, and that he was physically assaulted while in custody.
The whistleblower insists the firearm found in his possession was for self-defence due to threats to his life. He said he had applied for a licence and notified authorities but received no response.
Bello further denied allegations of impersonation, stating that any identification documents in his possession were issued during his time working as a contract staff member within the police system.
The case has drawn attention from civil society groups, who have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over Bello’s arrest and continued detention.
Observers say the case raises broader concerns about the safety of whistleblowers in Nigeria and the challenges facing efforts to combat corruption within public institutions.
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