A magistrate court in Kano has remanded some judges and staff of the Kano State Shari’ah Commission for allegedly misappropriating N99 million belonging to some orphans.
The court, presided over by Magistrate Mustapha Sa’ad Datti convicted the staffers after they were prosecuted by Kano State command of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
Aminiya, a Daily Trust Hausa version reported that Justice Datti ruled that Sani Ali, Sani Uba Ali, Bashir Baffa, Gazzali Wada, Hadi Tijjani Mu’azu, Alkasim Abdullahi, Yusuf Abdullahi and Mustafah Bala should remain in correctional centre in the state pending the next sitting.
Other defendants remanded are Jaafar Ahmad, Adamu Balarabe, Aminu Abdulhadi, Abdullahi Sulaiman Zango, Garba Yusuf, Bashir Ali Kurawa and Usaina Imam.
Magistrate Datti maintained that the judges and the staff are accused of conspiracy, betrayal of trust and the theft of N99 million, crimes they all pleaded not guilty.
However, the plaintiff, Barista Zaharaddin Kofar Mata, asked the court to give them another date to present substantial evidence before the court.
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The counsels to the defendants unanimously request for bail of their clients, although the court opposed granting their bail, maintaining that the request would be attended to in its next sitting.
Magistrate Datti adjourned the case to February 1, 2023, for continuation of hearing.
Babaji Usman Babaji is an investigative journalist with over four years of experience, renowned for his impactful reporting on corruption, human rights violations, and holding those in power accountable in Nigeria.
His career is distinguished by participation in numerous media training programs and conferences, which have honed his investigative and reporting skills. Babaji’s data-driven stories have made a significant impact, particularly in Northern Nigeria, shedding light on critical issues and driving meaningful change.
As a reporter under WikkiTimes’ Collaborative Media (CMEDIA) Project, Babaji has led several groundbreaking investigations. He was a 2022 fellow of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and a 2024 Media Foundation for West Africa DPI/DPG fellow. His contributions to accountability journalism earned him a Certificate of Recognition from Xchange Hama Media for impactful community work.
