Villa Boy” Under Fire: Bashir Hadejia’s Rise, Arrest, and the High-Profile Connections in Nigerian Politics

Bashir Hadejia, a figure once obscure, has suddenly become a household name, thanks to serious allegations linking him to criminal activities that have cast a long shadow over his associations with top Nigerian politicians.

From Shadows to Limelight
Hadejia, popularly known as “Villa Boy,” first gained attention through his political connections and business ventures. Although details about his early life remain elusive, his ascent in the political arena is closely tied to his role as a special adviser to Bello Matawalle, the former governor of Zamfara State and the current Minister of State for Defence.

During Matawalle’s tenure as governor, Hadejia’s visibility soared. He played a pivotal role in the delegation that presented gold bars from Zamfara to then-President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020, symbolizing the state’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy through artisanal gold mining.

High-Profile Connections
Hadejia’s influence extended well beyond Zamfara. He was frequently seen with high-ranking officials, including President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, Nuhu Ribadu, and Mohammed Badaru. His close ties with these powerful figures earned him the moniker “Villa Boy,” indicating his strong presence within the Presidential Villa.

Even in the entertainment world, Hadejia’s connections were celebrated. Fuji music legend, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1), dedicated a song to him in his album, Timeless, further solidifying his status in Nigeria’s elite circles.

Business Ventures and Dark Allegations
Hadejia is well-known as a gold bar merchant, a trade that has recently drawn intense scrutiny. A viral video showing him displaying what appeared to be a large quantity of gold bars, allegedly from the Central Bank of Libya, has fueled suspicions about his involvement in illegal activities, including gold smuggling.

These suspicions reached a climax with his arrest on August 12, 2024. The Nigeria Police Force, alongside the Department of State Services (DSS), apprehended Hadejia on charges of “treason and subversion against the state.” The allegations against him are severe, ranging from gun-running and possession of stolen gold bars to links with cross-border criminal syndicates. He is also accused of funding protests, such as #EndBadGovernance, which escalated into violence in Northern Nigeria.

Public Outcry and Speculation
Hadejia’s arrest has ignited a storm of reactions from the public. Many Nigerians have expressed their outrage, demanding transparency from the authorities about the true nature of the charges. Social media has been abuzz with discussions, especially as photos and videos of Hadejia with influential politicians circulate widely.

“How close does one have to be to a governor to be part of a delegation presenting gold bars to the President?” one user pondered online, echoing the sentiment of many who find the connections between Hadejia and top government officials deeply troubling.

Others, however, see his arrest as possibly being driven by personal vendettas. Jackson Ude, a journalist based in New York, suggested that the charges might be a smokescreen for a power struggle between Hadejia and his former boss, Bello Matawalle.

The Road Ahead
As of now, Hadejia remains in custody, with investigations ongoing. The unfolding of his case continues to highlight the complex and often murky intersection of business, politics, and crime in Nigeria. The coming days will reveal more about the allegations and their potential repercussions for the powerful individuals linked to him.

Bashir Hadejia’s case not only raises questions about accountability but also casts a glaring light on the intricate and sometimes perilous web of relationships in the corridors of power.