A Senior Magistrates’ Court in Kano on Monday, granted the Chairman of the Concern Members of the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Abdullaziz Sabitu Mohammed a N20 million bail over alleged forgery and Inciting disturbance.
The Prosecution Counsel, Mr Suleiman Salisu Umar, told the court that the defendant committed the offence sometimes in 2024 in Kano.
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He alleged that the defendant with the intent to incite public disturbance forged a letter headed paper of Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA).
“The defendant published a falsely statement against the KACCIMA members by writing a letter to the Manager of JAIZ Bank.
“The defendant also mobilized some thugs and invaded the KACCIMA premises” Salisu-Umar said
The prosecutor vehemently opposed the defendant bail application, adding that the offences are serious in nature.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened the provision of section 114 and 363 of the Penal Code.
The defence counsel, Mustapha Hussaini,
urged the court to grant the defendant bail, pursuant to section 35 and 36(5) of the 1999 Nigeria Constitution as amended and section 168 of ACJL 2019 Kano State.
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He urged the court to order the Prosecution Counsel to furnish them with all the facilities concerning the case.
In his ruling, Senior Magistrate Farouk Ibrahim Umar, agreed with the submission of the defence on the grounds that the police have concluded their investigation before arraignment of the defendant.
He admitted the defendant in the sum of N20 million with two reliable sureties in like sum.
“The sureties and defendant shall deposit two recent passport photographs and their houses must be verified by court officials”
Ibrahim Umar said one of the surety shall deposit a title document of landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.
He adjourned the matter until April 1, for hearing.
Recall that the defendant being the factional chairman of KACCIMA known as “Concerned Group” on 28th February, 2024, during a press conference described the activities of the council as self-seeking and unholy for parading themselves as the Council Members without any election.
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At the Press briefing Mr. Sabitu allegedly accused KACCIMA members over the issue of illegitimate activities.
He called on the Kano State Ministry of Commerce not to deal with the illegal Council members, claiming that they are already politically partisan and their aim is to destroy the integrity and clear objectives of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose policy is to derive Commerce and investment within and outside Nigeria.
