The Emir of Zurmi in Zamfara State, Bello Suleiman, has died at the Federal Medical Centre in Gusau, the state capital.
The traditional ruler died on Monday afternoon, according to a statement issued by the palace.
Suleiman had spent five years on the throne, having succeeded his uncle, Abubakar Atiku, in 2021.
Atiku was removed by the Zamfara State Government in 2021 and was formally deposed in April 2022 alongside the Emir of Dansadau, Hussaini Umar. The two monarchs were accused of alleged links to banditry and interference with security operations. Atiku later died in a hospital in Egypt.
Suleiman's reign took place amid persistent insecurity in Zurmi and other parts of Zamfara State.
In May 2024, bandits reportedly invaded Zurmi and attacked the emir's palace. Three security personnel at the palace gate were killed, while several residents were abducted.
Among those taken was the emir's chief detail, Buhari Yusuf, alongside Aliyu Ahmed and Sa'idu Lawali.
The attackers also vandalised a local MTN telecommunications facility, reportedly disrupting communications and making it more difficult for security forces to respond to the attack.
Residents said the attackers had accused the late monarch of failing to address alleged mistreatment of Fulani residents by local vigilantes.
Zurmi is located near Nigeria's border with the Niger Republic and shares a boundary with Katsina State. It is the second-most populous town in Zamfara State after Gusau.
Details of the circumstances surrounding Emir Bello Suleiman's death and arrangements for his funeral were not immediately available.
