The Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Electoral Committee, Barr Dan Nwanyanwu, has alleged that a key contender for the post of the National Chairman of IPAC, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, is facing criminal charges at the Federal High Court, Lokoja, over alleged possession of arms.
According to him, findings revealed that the State Security Services (SSS) had in October, 2021 dragged Dantalle before the Federal High Court, Lokoja.
He explained that Dantalle, who is the National Chairman of Allied Peoples Movement (APM), was alleged to have been caught with dangerous weapons at Ayingba in Kogi State sometimes in 2021 and the case is still pending before the Federal High Court, Lokoja
He stated that despite the criminal charges hanging on him, Dantalle is contesting the IPAC national chairmanship position against the National Chairman of Action Democratic Party (ADP) Engr Yabagi Yusuf Sani.
It is not clear whether or not the IPAC electoral committee will clear Dantalle.
But Nwanyanwu, who spoke on phone, noted that he was not in a position to speak on the matter.
Nwanyanwu said it’s not in his capacity to take a decision on the eligibility of any of the contestants vying for any of the positions, saying that his duty is to serve as an umpire for a peaceful and free election.
According to him, “As an umpire in the election, it is not my duty to determine who is qualified to contest and who is not qualified to contest. I am an umpire in the forthcoming election of IPAC and my duty is to conduct election and not to take position on who is to contest and who is not to contest.”
A statement revealed that the State Security Service had in October 2021 instituted a case against Dantalle and the case is yet to be adjudicated by the court.
The statement of offence prepared and signed by Mr Olanrewaju Yahaya, the Principal Legal Officer in charge of Discipline and Legal Services, State Security Service in Kogi State, indicates that Dantalle committed the offences with an accomplice who is currently at large.
The statement marked LKJ/FHC/61/21 reads, “That you Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, Male, (49 years old), on or 4th October, 2021, at Anyigba, Dekinn Local Government Area of Kogi State, within the jurisdiction of this court was arrested with Barreta Pistol with serial number 215RR95042, without license, thereby committing an offence.
“That you Yusuf Maman Dantalle in October 2021, at Anyigba, was arrested, with nine live rounds of ammunition, without license, thereby committing an offence.”
Dantalle was alleged to have committed the offences with one Abdul Oye, who is currently at large.
When contacted, Dantalle confirmed that the matter is still before the court.
He however stated that he is presumed innocent until the contrary is proved, stressing that the court has not found him guilty
