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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.

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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However, the charges were withdrawn after the prosecution said it could not “find sufficient evidence to link Doguwa with the said offences.”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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Emir Sanusi Woos Foreign Investors, assures opportunities, profit margin in Nigeria

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Emir of Kano, His Highness, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged foreign investors to take advantage of booming business environment in Nigeria to invest their resources for maximum profit margin.

Khalifa Sanusi solicited investment opportunities in Nigeria while addressing global investors and captains of industries at the International Financial Investment and Trade Conference holding in Tunisia.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, explained that Nigeria reserves one of the fastest growing economy in Africa with highly competitive markets and business opportunities readily available for capital investors.

Sanusi essentially appealed to business and investment giants to tap from the robust economy with enabling environment in the areas of Manufacturing, Agriculture, ICT, Innovation and financial sector to grow their investment.

The royal highness used the occasion to showcase the growing fortune and global investment of Alh. Aliko Dangote, who started his empire taking the Nigerian business environment, believed foreign investors should capitalize on similar advantage.

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Sanusi made a strong case for investment opportunities in his country home, assured socio-econmic and natural endowments as major advantages investors should consider to build viral growth in Kano.

According to Emir Sanusi, remained that Kano is destination for trade, commerce and industries with 22 million population, natural resources, strategic location and well established international markets that serve many countries in West and Central Africa and beyond. That’s apart, he said incentives provided by the Kano State Government is another avenue for ease of doing business.

A release by Munir Sanusi Bayero, Galadiman Kano and Chief of Staff to emir Sanusi said the conference attracted prominent personalities including Governor of Bauchi State, Sen Bala Mohammed, Hon. Minister of Women Affairs, Haj. Imaan Suleiman, Amb. Bolaji, representing the Hon. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu and DG of NEPZA.

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Kwankwasiyya Professionals Forum Condemns AB Bappah Bichi’s Remarks, Calls for Legal Action

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The Kwankwasiyya Professionals Forum convened a two-day emergency stakeholders’ meeting on May 4th and 5th, 2025, at Tahir Guest Palace Hotel in Kano to address concerns over alleged defamatory statements made by former Secretary to the State Government, AB Bappah Bichi, against the esteemed leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. The forum, comprising experts from diverse backgrounds, strongly condemned what it described as inflammatory remarks aimed at tarnishing Dr. Kwankwaso’s reputation. According to Comr. Haruna Musa Gaza, Chairman of the forum, “These statements are not only malicious but also an attempt to incite hatred and provoke violence against our revered leader.”

During the deliberations, members reaffirmed Dr. Kwankwaso’s enduring legacy and contributions to Nigeria’s political and socio-economic development. The forum praised his leadership, integrity, and philanthropic efforts, insisting that his work has positively impacted millions of Nigerians. “Dr. Kwankwaso is a visionary leader whose contributions to our great nation cannot be undermined by baseless accusations,” Gaza stated. The body further emphasized its unwavering support for Kwankwaso while calling on Nigerians to recognize the profound impact of his leadership.

In response to Bichi’s remarks, the forum resolved to pursue legal action to ensure accountability for what they termed defamatory allegations. Legal proceedings, according to Gaza, will be instituted to address the matter in court, and all available legal avenues will be explored to seek redress. “We will not allow these false claims to go unchallenged. Justice must prevail, and we will fight to ensure that defamatory statements like these do not go unchecked,” Gaza affirmed. The forum vowed to hold Bichi responsible for his utterances and pursue the matter to its logical conclusion through legal means.

Despite the forum’s strong condemnation, it urged all Kwankwasiyya supporters and Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding in the face of provocation. The forum stressed the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding unnecessary escalation. “We call on our supporters to exercise restraint. Violence is never the answer, and our movement stands for peace and development,” Gaza emphasized. The forum maintained that while legal action is necessary, peaceful resolution and respect for the law remain top priorities.

Additionally, the Kwankwasiyya Professionals Forum commended the Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his administration’s efforts in advancing development projects across the state. The forum encouraged Kano residents to continue supporting the governor’s initiatives aimed at fostering progress and stability. “Governor Yusuf is working tirelessly for the betterment of Kano State, and we urge citizens to stand behind his administration’s laudable projects,” Gaza concluded. The forum reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability while championing the cause of peace and development.

 

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Market Traders Association of Nigeria Suspends Operations of 36 State Chapters

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President market traders association of Nigeria Jamilu Abbas

 

The Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) has announced the suspension of operations across its 36 state chapters and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The decision was disclosed by MATAN’s National President, Jamilu Abbas, while addressing journalists on the prevailing challenges within the association.

According to Abbas, the suspension comes in response to multiple concerns raised by stakeholders, alongside unforeseen circumstances that have impacted the organization’s unity.

He emphasized the need for solidarity, stating, “Based on the current situation across the country regarding our association, along with the receipt of various calls from stakeholders and unforeseen circumstances—including exchanges of words on our platform—I believe that we are one family, united in the progress of our great nation. That is why we are MATAN: when we work, our nation moves forward.”

The MATAN President clarified that, despite the general suspension, the scheduled inauguration for Imo State would proceed as planned, while that of Enugu State has been postponed. Abbas noted that further directives on the future of the association’s activities would be determined by the Federal Executive Council. He stated, “In view of all these developments, as the President and father of our teeming family members, I am here to announce that the Enugu State inauguration is suspended, while Imo State’s inauguration should proceed as scheduled. Furthermore, the operations of all 36 state chapters and Abuja are hereby suspended until the Federal Executive Council convenes and announces a new mode of operation for the entire 36 states and Abuja.”

Abbas acknowledged that the suspension could cause disruptions for MATAN members but stressed that it was a necessary course of action. He expressed his regret over the inconvenience, adding that he remains optimistic about the upcoming discussions with the Federal Executive Council, which he believes will provide lasting solutions to the association’s concerns. “This decision was made out of necessity. I believe the suspension may hurt our members, and we regret any inconvenience this painful decision may cause. However, we had no choice but to implement it. I am confident that the outcome of our meeting will serve as the final solution to our grievances,” he stated.

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MATAN members across the country will be awaiting further updates as the association navigates this transitional phase. In the meantime, Abbas urged traders to remain united, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to resolving the underlying issues affecting the organization.

The Market Traders Association of Nigeria is a national organization committed to supporting market traders and advancing trade-related policies for economic growth. The association plays a crucial role in facilitating dialogue between traders and government stakeholders, ensuring that market conditions remain favorable for business development.

This latest suspension marks a pivotal moment for MATAN, with traders, stakeholders, and the government looking ahead to forthcoming resolutions.

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