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Federal High Court Nullifies Governor’s Directive on Legal Advice, Awards Damages in Doguwa Murder Case

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A Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja, on Friday, nullified the directive of Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State to review the state Attorney-General (A-G)’s legal advice on the alleged murder case earlier preferred against Rep Alhassan Doguwa (APC-Kano).

Justice Donatus Okorowo, in a judgment, also awarded a N25 million damages against Gov. Yusuf for causing psychological pain and damage to Doguwa.

Justice Okorowo also gave “an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the respondents from further interfering with the fundamental rights of the applicant whatsoever.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tundun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, was, on Feb. 28, arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, while boarding a flight to Abuja.

The police had said they received a report that he led thugs to set ablaze the secretariat of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano.

Two persons were said to have died in the incident.

Although the legislator denied any wrongdoing, he was arraigned in March at a magistrate court in Kano and was later remanded in prison.

He was granted bail in the sum of N500 million by a FHC, Kano after a few days in prison.

However, the charges were withdrawn after the prosecution said it could not “find sufficient evidence to link Doguwa with the said offences.”

 

But the lawmaker, through his lawyer, Afam Osigwe, SAN, filed a fresh suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/831/23 to seek for an order enforcing his fundamental rights before the Abuja court, following a hint about an attempt to re-arrest him.

In the suit, the lawmaker, sued the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, the Executive Governor of Kano State and the A-G as 1st to 4th defendants respectively.

Doguwa had sought the protection of the court against alleged plan by the state government to rearrest and detain him in connection with the electoral violence that ensued during the presidential and national assembly elections leading to the death of some people in the state.

Justice Okorowo had, on June 20, ordered the parties in the suit to maintain status pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter. The order followed a motion ex-parte moved by Osigwe.

But the governor and the A-G, in their counter affidavit argued by their lawyer, M. K. Umar, said that Doguwa was not being invited because of the violence that erupted during the Feb. 25 presidential and national assembly elections in Kano or on the firearm issue.

Umar said contrary Osigwe’s argument, Doguwa was wanted in Kano to answer to the allegation of homicide preferred against him by the state government.

The lawyer said there were emerging new facts which needed to be investigated and that the A-G had the power to review the case in the wake of the emerging facts.

But Osigwe disagreed with Umar, stating that the police report on the incident, attached as Exhibit 10, exonerated his client of any wrong doing.

The senior lawyer, who alleged political witch-hunt against Doguwa, said his fundamental right as enshrined in the law was threatened by the 3rd and 4th respondents.

Delivering the judgement, Justice Okorowo agreed with the plaintiff that it was the same offence which the lawmaker was exonerated that the governor and the A-G planned to review.

Quoting from the exhibit, the judge said the police (2nd resoobdent in the suit) stated that they “cannot not find sufficient evidence to link Doguwa with those offences and that the allegation that he killed the victims cannot be substantiated.”

He said while the court did not doubt the powers of the A-G to review a case, the court would not allow using a constitutional means to achieve an unconstitutional purpose.

According to the judge, the attempt to re-arrest him contravenes Section 46 of the constitution.

“It is hereby declared that the purported action of the 3rd and 4th respondents to review the legal advice dated 23rd May, 2023, and indeed the actual review of the legal advice dated May 23, 2023, with a view to arrest, detain, and prosecute the applicant on a fathom charge and without regards to the report of the 2nd respondent (I-G) is illegal, unlawful, wrongful, unconstitutional and void.

”It amounts to an infraction of the applicant’s constitutional right to human dignity, personal liberty and freedom of movement.

“An order of perpetual injunction is hereby granted restraining the respondents, themselves, and by agents, howsoever described from further inviting, arresting or detaining the applicant with a view to review the 4th respondent legal advice dated 23 May, 2023, in so far as the respondents do proffer fresh evidence against the applicant.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from further interfering with the fundamental rights of the applicant whatsoever.

“An order of this honourable court is hereby granted nullifying the purported 3rd respondent directive to review the fourth respondent legal advice dated May 23, 2023, with a view to arrest the applicant.

“General damages of 25 million only against the 3rd respondent only for causing the psychological pain and damage to the applicant,” the judge declared.

(NAN)

 

 

 

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Ace Journalist, Sanda Adamu Tsafe Passes On

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Late Alhaji Sanda Adamu Tsafe

 

An ace journalist and former Federal Commissioner of the defunct National Electoral Commission Abuja, Alhaji Sanda Adamu Tsafe, has passed away.

In a Facebook post by one of his children, Mahmud Sanda Adamu, it was announced that his father died at Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital Sokoto.

Alhaji Sanda Adamu worked with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Kaduna in the 1970s, during which late Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi cited him in his famous book “Where I Stand” as one of the journalists who contributed to the airing of the late Sheikh’s preaching on Sashin Hausa Radio Nigeria Kaduna.

Late Sanda Adamu Tsafe was the manager of Rima Radio Sokoto during the controversy that trailed the appointment of the late Ibrahim Dasuki as the 18th Sultan of Sokoto during the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.

The deceased is survived by wives, children, and many grandchildren.

His funeral prayers will take place by 1:00PM at Masjidu Darul Da’awah, Kaduna Road, Guiwa Low Cost, Sokoto.

Late Alhaji Sanda Adamu Tsafe also left behind one of his brothers, Alhaji Ali Adamu Tsafe, a former Commissioner of Water Resources and Information during the administration of Alhaji Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi in Zamfara state.

His elder brother, late Alhaji Muhammad Adamu, died in the year 2015 in Kano.

One of his relations is Professor Yusuf Adamu of the department of Geography Bayero University Kano.

 

 

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BREAKING: Governor Yusuf Appoints Umar Farouk Ibrahim as Kano New SSG

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Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appointed Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.

Ibrahim’s appointment takes effect from Monday, February 10, 2025.

According to the statement, Ibrahim was selected based on his extensive experience and expertise, which are expected to play a vital role in advancing the administration’s development agenda and keeping the state on track with its goals.

Umar Farouk Ibrahim brings over three decades of distinguished public service to his new role.

His career in the civil service, spanning from 1987 to 2023, has been marked by key leadership positions that significantly contributed to the governance and administrative structure of Kano State.

From March 2001 to May 2015, Ibrahim served as the Permanent Secretary for Research, Evaluation, and Political Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

In this capacity, he was instrumental in analyzing key policy options, advising the government on viable alternatives, and overseeing the implementation of these policies across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Following this, from June 2015 to March 2016, Ibrahim held the position of Permanent Secretary for the Administration and General Services Directorate.

His tenure in this role showcased his strong leadership and administrative skills. Notably, he served as acting Secretary to the State Government during annual leaves in 2013 and 2014, underscoring the trust and confidence placed in him by the state leadership.

In addition to his formal roles, Ibrahim served as Secretary for several high-profile committees, including the Coordinating Committee on Independent Power (2012-2015), the Committee on the Identification and Sale of Government Property (GP Houses) in 2012, and the State Payroll Standing Committee (2000-2004).

His early career also saw him play pivotal roles in community and educational reforms, such as his position as Secretary of the Inter-Community/Religious Consultative Forum in 1998 and the Committee on the Review of the Operations of the Agency for Mass Education in 1994.

Mr. Ibrahim obtained a B.Sc. in Political Science from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University in 1985, followed by several professional certificates that further enriched his qualifications.

As a seasoned administrator and retired Permanent Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a commitment to excellence in his new role as SSG.

His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the administrative framework of the current government and facilitate the effective execution of its policies and programs.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that Ibrahim’s appointment would significantly contribute to realizing his administration’s vision for Kano State, emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership in steering the state toward sustained development and growth.

 

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Hakimi: Labour Party Will Capture Northern Nigeria Under Abure’s Leadership

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The Director of Peter Obi Coalition 2023 (CPO), Sadisu Isyaku Hakimi, has expressed strong confidence in the leadership of Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP).

In an interview with newsmen in Kano, Hakimi stated that if Abure’s footsteps are followed, the Labour Party has the potential to capture Northern Nigeria and ultimately the entire nation.

Praising Abure’s tenure as the best, Hakimi emphasized that the National Chairman’s focus on the interests of Northern Nigeria would lead to significant gains for the party. “Julius Abure’s tenure is the best. He has to look at the interests of Northern Nigeria, and the party will make it,” Hakimi remarked.

Hakimi further criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the party is failing to protect the interests of the masses. “APC is not protecting the interest of the masses, and as such, the APC is going to lose the election,” he asserted.

Hakimi’s comments highlight the growing confidence within the Labour Party’s leadership and supporters. He believes that under Abure’s guidance, the party can address the needs and aspirations of the Northern Nigerian populace, leading to broader national support.

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The interview has sparked discussions among political analysts and the public, with many watching closely to see how the Labour Party’s strategies unfold in the upcoming elections.

 

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