From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
The Majority Leader of House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa has been remanded in Goron Dutse, Kano, Correctional Centre, over alleged electoral violence during last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.
Chief Magistrate Ibrahim Mansur of Magistrate Court 54, Nomansland, Kano refused the ball application by Doguwa’s lawyer, Mutari Garba Dandago who argued that his client be granted bail on health ground and self-recognition.
Dandago told the Court that Doguwa is not only the Majority Leader of House of Representatives, but has also been re-elected by the people of Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency to represent them at the 10th House of Representatives.
He further prayed that if granted bail, Doguwa will have no reason to jump bail, but will always make himself available during further proceedings.
But the prosecution counsel argued that Doguwa and others were charged with capital offence and as such could not be granted bail.
She further stated that capital offences are handled by higher courts, pointing out that the Magistrate Court has no jurisdiction to entertain the case in the first place and as such cannot grant bail to the defendants.
However, the Defence Counsel further argued that, “bail is not trial, ” giving more reasons his client should be granted bail.
In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Ibrahim Mansur Yola ordered that Doguwa and one other be remanded at Goron Dutse Correctional Centre until March 7, 2023, for hearing of the bail application.
Doguwa and others were charged with: criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, causing grievous hurt, mischief by fire, inciting public disturbance
The AUTHORITY reports that Kano State Commissioner of Police for 2023 general elections, Mr. Muhammad Yakubu, on Wednesday, confirmed the arrest of Honourable Alhassan Ado Doguwa, and others, for alleged case of criminal conspiracy.
A Statement signed by the image-maker of Kano State Police Command, Superintendent of Police, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of CP Muhammad Yakubu, indicated that: “Following complaints received on the gruesome murder of three persons, causing grievous injury to eight others in Tudun Wada LGA on 26/02/2023 while the collation of election results was ongoing and an alleged viral video of some victims with suspected gunshots in the Social Media, the Commissioner of Police in charge of 2023 General Election, Kano State Command, CP Muhammad Yakubu directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Kano State Police Command to carry out a thorough investigation.
“In continuation of the investigation, on 27th February 2023, the Department extended a formal invitation to Honorable Alhassan Ado Garba Doguwa, a member representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency for his alleged complicity in the incident.
“Sequel to his refusal to honour the invitation, the Command was left with no other option than to activate a motion that would lead to his arrest.
“He was subsequently arrested by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Bompai Kano at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano.
“Investigation is ongoing, the suspects arrested will soon be charged to court for prosecution, and the effort to get others at large is being intensified.
“While the Commissioner of Police appreciates the good people of Kano State for their peaceful conduct in maintaining law and order during the concluded Presidential and National Assembly Elections and its aftermath, the Command is reiterating its commitment to safeguarding lives and properties of the ‘’Kanawan Dabo’
“Accordingly, the CP demonstrated his willingness to tame any subversive element(s) or actor(s) no matter how highly placed, if they are out to disrupt the existing peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed in the State.”
