The Senior Magistrate’s Court sitting in Koki, Kano, on 2nd September 2024 presided over a trial involving more than 50 suspects, many of whom were arrested in connection with the “End Bad Governance” protests. The court session, which took place at the Correctional Service Centre, Goron Dutse, Kano, commenced at 12:11 pm.

The Kano State Government was represented by Mr. B. I. Lawan Esq., a prosecutor from the Kano State Ministry of Justice. Some of the defendants were represented by various counsel, including Tafinta Esq., Patient Edema Esq., A. A. Muhammad Esq., J. V. Atabat Esq., D. A. Shehu Esq., B. O. Osoji Esq., H. A. Sulaiman Esq., and S. S. Salihu Esq., who represented the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

The prosecution counsel, after reviewing the case diary, informed the court that no prima facie case had been established against 30 individuals, whose names were subsequently submitted for discharge. These individuals included:

Abubakar Isa
Sani Abubakar
Muhammad Isma’il
Abba Sani
Ibrahim Adam
Chibuzo Nboma
Mu’azu Sani
Adula Pol
Rabi’u Lawan
Abdul Bulya
Abdullahi Idris
Balarabe Mu’azu
Prince Michael
Abdullahi Sani
Joshua Yakubu
Lawan Musa
Sani Usman
Abubakar Ibrahim
Ibrahim Isyaku
Bala Ado
Sadiq Ahmad
Aminu Abubakar
Idris Dauda
Abubakar Abdullahi
Shu’aibu Umar
Aliyu Salisu
Mustapha Ahmad
Shamsu Abdullahi
Isma’il Tasi’u
Consequently, the court discharged the above individuals. Most of these defendants were represented by counsel, except for a client of Tafinta Esq., who was not discharged.

The prosecution noted that a prima facie case was established against the following individuals for inciting disturbance and theft:

Dini Sununsi
Imran Abdussalam
Nasiru Musa
Lirwanu Zubairu
Idris Sununsi
Yahaya Tanimu
Zirkiflu Mustapha
Muhammad Hashimu
Seven of these individuals, namely Dini Sununsi, Imran Abdussalam, Nasiru Musa, Lirwanu Zubairu, Yahaya Tanimu, Zirkiflu Mustapha, and Muhammad Hashimu, pleaded guilty to the charges. They were sentenced to six months imprisonment for theft or a fine of N20,000 and three months imprisonment for inciting disturbance or a fine of N5,000 in lieu of imprisonment.

However, Idris Sununsi, represented by H. A. Sulaiman Esq., pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was granted bail, and his case was adjourned for hearing.

Anas Bilal was charged with possession of dangerous weapons and intoxicating substances. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year in prison or to pay a fine of N55,000.

Abubakar Muhammad, Naziru Nasiru, and Anas Abubakar were arraigned on charges of inciting disturbance and inciting public peace. They admitted to committing the offenses and were convicted and sentenced to serve seven months in prison or pay a fine of N30,000 each.

During the proceedings, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), through its representative, S. S. Salihu Esq., informed the court that the NBA is committed to providing legal representation for any defendants not already represented by counsel. This announcement was communicated to the remaining defendants, more than ten in number, whose legal advice was still pending. These individuals expressed interest in receiving legal representation from the NBA, and arrangements were made for them to be interviewed at the correctional center before the next court hearing.

The case was adjourned to 11th September 2024, for the arraignment of the remaining defendants whose legal advice had yet to be completed. The NBA remains steadfast in ensuring that all defendants have access to legal representation and that their rights are protected during this critical period.

This trial has highlighted the continued commitment of the judiciary to uphold justice, while the NBA stands ready to defend the rights of individuals in the face of legal challenges.