Gov Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has directed the immediate arrest of Isyaku Katanga, chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Kiyawa Local Government Area, over allegations of extortion.

The governor issued the order during an unscheduled visit to inputs distribution centers for the 2025 wheat farming program in Kiyawa and Birninkudu local government areas.

The directive follows complaints from farmers accusing the AFAN chairman of unlawfully increasing payments required from each farmer.

“We received complaints of alleged extortion of money from farmers. We will not accept this, and whoever is involved must refund it to the farmers,” Namadi stated.

He instructed the police to arrest and investigate the suspect while ensuring the refund of all funds collected from the farmers.

The governor also promised to uphold the Federal Government’s directive to provide registered farmers with their full allocation of farming inputs.

Namadi further criticized delays and poor arrangements by agro-dealers assigned to distribute inputs, urging stakeholders to ensure timely distribution so farmers can commence preparations for dry-season wheat farming.