Daura Emir Dethrones Village Head Over Kidnap, Rape Allegations
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruq Umar Faruq, has officially dethroned Iliya Mantau, the Village Head of Mantau in Yarmaulu, Baure Local Government Area of Katsina State, over grave allegations of kidnapping and the sexual assault of a nursing mother.
The decision, announced on Monday, May 19, 2025, followed mounting pressure from the community, particularly after a youth-led protest erupted in Yarmaulu last week.
The protesters accused Mantau and his alleged accomplices of abducting a woman named Zulaihatu — the wife of Alhaji Sidi — along with her three-month-old baby.
According to the allegations, after extorting a ransom of N20 million, the suspects went on to assault the woman sexually.
The shocking case had sparked widespread outrage, particularly due to the fact that it had lingered in court for nearly a year without action from the Emirate.
The delay drew criticism from residents, who accused the traditional institution of silence in the face of such a serious crime.
In announcing Mantau’s removal, the Emir strongly condemned the abuse of power and vowed that the Daura Emirate would not shield anyone, regardless of status, from accountability.
“This Emirate belongs to the people. If anyone has been wronged, they have the right to seek redress here — even if the offender is my own child,” the monarch declared.
He cited past examples of impartial justice within the Emirate, including the removal of other erring traditional leaders and even the imprisonment of a royal son under a previous Emir.
“We are committed to justice, and no one is above the law,” he said.
The Emir declared that Iliya Mantau was no longer recognized as the Village Head of Mantau, effective immediately.
He assured the community that a new leader would soon be appointed — one who would uphold fairness, integrity, and public trust.
In addition, the Emir cautioned citizens against spreading unverified information and urged them to continue using lawful channels to report grievances, reaffirming the Emirate’s role as a guardian of justice and community welfare.
Daura Emir Dethrones Village Head Over Kidnap, Rape Allegations