A magistrate court in Gusau has ordered police to investigate allegations against the Zamfara governor's media aide. Mustafa Jafaru Kaura faces charges of defamation, threat to life, and inciting public disturbance.
Yusuf Alhasan Kanoma, a former lawmaker, filed the complaint in the court. Presiding magistrate Murtala Abdullahi issued the directive during Thursday's proceedings.
The state's Attorney-General, Abdulaziz Sani, SAN, asked the court to transfer the case to the Ministry of Justice. He cited Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution as the legal basis for the request.
Barrister Surajo Garba Gusau, representing Kanoma, strongly opposed the move. According to him, Kaura had evaded service of court documents.
Gusau told the court that thugs blocked officials trying to deliver summons at the defendant's home. He argued the Attorney-General should support justice, not shield the accused.
The counsel acknowledged the constitutional authority vested in the Attorney-General. But he insisted such powers must be exercised fairly and transparently.
Gusau noted that due process must guide all actions, especially in serious cases like this one. He questioned the timing and propriety of the Attorney-General's intervention.
Magistrate Abdullahi sided with the complainant's team. He directed the Commissioner of Police to conduct a full investigation into the matter.
The court will reconvene after police complete their probe. Additional hearings are scheduled for further proceedings in the case.
