Slow pace of Doguwa’s trial worries Kano CSOs

Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) has raised concern over the pace the trial of Alhassan Doguwa, over alleged culpable homicide and other criminal charges is taking.

Besides, the umbrella body of over 140 civil society organisations worried over alleged attempt to subvert justice for innocent people murdered during the February 25 election.

A public petition signed by 500 members and issued by the KCSF Chairman, Ibrahim Waiya, urged Kano State government to hasten the legal process to ascertain the role of the House of Representatives Leader in the murder case. 

He stated: “It has come to our notice that there were reported political violence at Doguwa and Tudun Wada local councils and other areas in the state during the Presidential and National Assembly elections. 

“We are deliberately giving prominence to these two local councils because they happened to be the theatre of killings and burning of property, as reported. Doguwa, member of the National Assembly representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, was accused and arrested on the allegation of leading thugs and unleashing attacks on some innocent people, which led to the death of scores and left many seriously injured. 

“As concerned groups and those that believe in the sanctity of human lives, we are worried by the slow and unprecedented delay to frame charges and arraign the suspects, particularly Doguwa, who was accused of playing the lead role in the destruction of life and property. He ought to have been arraigned before a competent court of law by now to face the music.”   

The CSOs, therefore, called on every right-thinking Nigerian, local and international organisations, to join the crusade for justice for the victims, to ensure rule of law, social justice, public safety, as well as respect for humanity and sanctity of human lives.

Although, the police declared that Doguwa’s case file had been handed over to the state government after comprehensive investigation and charges filed, the state Ministry of Justice has remained silent over the case.

Doguwa was remanded at a correctional facility by a Magistrate Court on five counts bordering on culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearm, criminal conspiracy and public disturbance.

The federal lawmaker, however, secured bail at Federal High Court through an ex parte application filed against his fundamental right, which was considered on the premise that the defendant remains innocent until proven guilty of the counts as charged.