Laminu Njitiya

Laminu Njitiya (died 1871) was a 19th-century Shuwa Arab aristocrat who served as an influential adviser to Umar Kura bin Muhammad al-Kanemi, the Shehu of Bornu. He was often described as the most powerful figure in Bornu during the second reign of Umar (1854 to 1881).

Initially a highway bandit, Laminu became a follower of influential courtiers of the Shehu, including Mallam Tirab, and later his son, al-Hajj Bashir. As the chief assistant of Bashir, he was infamous for carrying out the dirty work of his master, which he did with ruthless efficiency. After Bashir's death in 1853, Laminu became Umar's closest adviser. This position granted him considerable influence and wealth in Bornu. He was known for his competence as an administrator and is remembered as the greatest 19th-century fief-holder in Magumeri.

Early life Laminu Njitiya was of mixed Shuwa Arab and Kanembu descent. He began his career as a highwayman in Magumeri, a fief of Mallam Tirab, an influential adviser to Muhammad al-Kanemi, the Shehu of Bornu. Njitiya eventually abandoned banditry to follow Mallam Tirab and quickly rose through the ranks of Tirab's large following. After Mallam Tirab's death in 1846, his son al-Hajj Bashir succeeded him on the Shehu's council, inheriting Tirab's influence and followers, including Njitiya. Nachtigal recorded the reaction in Kukawa after his death:"The grief extended no less to the Shaikh and many of the citizens of the capital. What would he do without this honest adviser, this path-finder through every difficulty, this one true man among a court of sycophants, this one asset among a collection of debts? In the streets of the city one perceived the general calamity brought about by the death of this man. All business stopped; the cheerful character of the people of the capital seemed for a day to have died; people spoke and thought of nothing save the great grief."

After Laminu's death, his son Abba Aji (also known as Sanda Laminumi) inherited his fief and part of his wealth but was soon dispossessed following a serious conflict with Shehu Bukar. He was later reappointed as the District Head of Magumeri and became a successful trader during colonial Borno. Abba Aji died in 1916, and his son, Abba Kyari (also known as Baba Sandabe), succeeded him as District Head of Magumeri. Kyari's son, Abba Sadiq, eventually became the Waziri of Borno under Shehu Mustafa bin Umar al-Kanemi.