Barrister Ibrahim Kashim, the NDC's governorship hopeful in Bauchi State, has broken his silence on a bench warrant. A Chief Magistrate Court issued the order against him in a defamation case.
Chief Magistrate Abdulmumini Adamu signed the warrant on June 9, 2026. It came after lawyers Ahmed Sani and Hussaini Saraki filed a complaint against Kashim.
According to court papers, the two barristers accused Kashim of making damaging statements. He allegedly made the remarks during a television interview, sources familiar with the matter say.
Kashim supposedly claimed one of the lawyers took money from a client without providing legal services. He also suggested the two may have leaked information about him to government officials.
Both allegations are false, Sani and Saraki countered in their complaint. They denied ever sharing details about Kashim with any government official.
The lawyers said his statements ruined their reputation in the eyes of the public. Their professional standing as legal practitioners suffered significantly, they maintained.
Counsel S.U. Sarki urged the magistrate to issue the bench warrant.
Adamu granted the application without hesitation.
Kashim responded to the development in a written statement released Wednesday. He emphasized his unwavering commitment to Nigeria's legal system and judicial independence.
According to him, the summons arrived on a Sunday. He'd already made travel plans to Abuja for scheduled business, he explained.
"The court summons was served on Sunday, at a time when I had already completed my travel arrangements to Abuja for important engagements scheduled earlier," Kashim noted in his statement.
He said his lawyer immediately approached the court seeking a postponement. This action demonstrates he didn't flee or reject the summons, Kashim insisted.
"It is therefore not right to interpret our absence as absconding or a refusal to accept the summons," the NDC candidate added.
Kashim expressed confidence that the courts will establish the truth. He reiterated his readiness to face trial and defend himself vigorously.
"We have full respect for the courts and the legal system, and we are ready to defend ourselves according to the law," Kashim told reporters.
He denied making insulting remarks or committing any offense. "We have not insulted anyone, and we have not committed any crime that would prevent us from telling the truth in court," he said.
Kashim vowed to appear at the next court hearing as scheduled. "God willing, we will appear in court at the scheduled time for the continuation of the trial, and we are confident that the truth will come out," he concluded.
