‘We can’t substantiate charge’ — Kano withdraws murder case against Doguwa

Musa Abdullahi-Lawan, Kano state attorney-general, has withdrawn the murder case against Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, majority leader of the house of representatives.

Briefing journalists in Kano, Abdullahi-Lawan said the ministry could not substantiate the charges against the legislator based on the facts available.

On February 28, Ado-Doguwa was 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 NNPP in Kano. Two persons were feared dead.

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 federal high court after a few days in prison.

At the press briefing on Thursday, the attorney-general said: “We cannot find sufficient evidence to link Doguwa with the said offences, considering that we are faced with so many inculpatory and exculpatory evidence for and against him.”

According to Abdullahi-Lawan, the claims made by individuals who accused Doguwa were contradictory and lacked medical proof of the victims’ deaths.

“The law is clear that the allegations that Doguwa killed people cannot be substantiated,” he said.

“We are variably guided by the findings of the investigations of the police as contained in the case diary sent from the FCID devoid of sentiments, fear or favour.

“Some of the witnesses said Doguwa carried Dane gun while some said it was a pistol.

“No bullet shell was recovered at the scene. Only one knife, cutlass and charm.”

The commissioner of justice reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to ensuring that justice, equity, and fairness are ultimately administered, regardless of who is favoured.

He added that under section 336 of the Penal Code as amended, eight to twelve other defendants will face charges of mischief by fire.