Niger Assembly passes bill to tackle thuggery, intoxication
yarkarkara
The Niger State House of Assembly has passed a bill to combat thuggery and intoxication in the state, by passing a private member’s bill to amend the Law to Prohibit Thuggery, Use of Intoxicants and for Matters Connected Thereto, 2018.
The Bill was sponsored by Hon. Mohammed Abubakar Ustaz, member representing Chanchaga Constituency.
The amended law, titled Re-enact Anti-Thuggery (Prohibition of the Use of Intoxicants, Residential Mining) and Other Matters Connected Thereto, 2025, is aimed at strengthening the existing law and providing a safer environment for citizens.
The committee, led by its chairman, Abdulrahmah Bala Gambo, member representing Borgu Constituency, conducted a thorough review of the bill after consulting with critical stakeholders within the criminal justice system.
Gambo disclosed that those consulted included the Commissioner of Police, Ministry of Justice, Minna Emirate Council, the Judiciary, and correctional centres, among others.
The committee also referenced the Executive Order on Thuggery Activities within Minna by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, issued on April 22, 2025. This comprehensive approach ensured that the bill is effective and enforceable.
The bill introduced several key provisions, such as increased punishment for thuggery, criminalisation of abatement, special witness protection procedures, and stricter penalties for shops selling intoxicants and for residential mining.
Furthermore, the bill includes other provisions such as Section 14, which criminalises indecent hairstyles that identify gang members; Section 18, which empowers the Chief Judge to establish special courts for thuggery cases; and Section 20, which confers jurisdiction on the High Court.
Consequently, the House unanimously adopted all recommendations, and the Speaker, Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, directed the Clerk of the House to transmit a clean copy of the bill to the executive for assent, while commending the committee for its dedication and hard work.
