Niger State House of Assembly Passes New Law to Combat Thuggery and Intoxication.
By Yahaya Zakka Minna.
In a decisive move to enhance public safety and order, the Niger State House of Assembly has approved a private Member Bill aimed at amending the existing Law Prohibit Thuggery, Use of Intoxicants, and Related Matters from 2018.
This significant legislative action is a response to rising concerns about thuggery and substance abuse in the state.
The Bill, titled “Re-enact Anti-Thuggery (Prohibition of the Use of Intoxicants, Residential Mining) and Other Matters Connected Thereto 2025,” was sponsored by Hon. Mohammed Abubakar Ustaz, representing the Chanchaga Constituency. Its primary objective is to strengthen legal frameworks and ensure a safer environment for all citizens of Niger State.
The Assembly’s Committee on the Bill, chaired by Hon. Engr. Abdulrahmah Bala Gambo, PhD, representing the Borgu Constituency, conducted extensive consultations with key stakeholders in the criminal justice sector, including the Commissioner of Police, the Ministry of Justice, Minna Emirate Council, and the Judiciary.
This thorough review process was further informed by the Executive Order on Thuggery Activities issued by the state’s Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, on April 22, 2025, which provided a foundational perspective for the legislative amendments.
Key provisions of the newly enacted law include heightened penalties for thuggery, the criminalization of abetment, and special protections for witnesses. Stricter regulations will also apply to establishments selling intoxicants and those involved in residential mining activities.
Among the noteworthy amendments are Section 14, which prohibits specific hairstyles associated with gang identification, Section 18 empowering the Chief Judge to create special courts for thuggery-related offenses, and Section 20, which expands jurisdictional authority to the High Court for such matters.
All recommendations proposed by the Committee were unanimously adopted by the House. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Barr. (Dr.) Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, praised the Committee’s dedication and diligence throughout the legislative process and instructed the Clerk of the House to send a finalized version of the Bill to the Executive for gubernatorial assent.
This landmark legislation reflects the Niger State House of Assembly’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace, security, and sustainable development within the state.
The Assembly now awaits the Governor’s approval to facilitate the effective implementation of this vital law.
