HONOURABLE ALHASSAN ADO DOGOWA’S DISHONOURABLE CONDUCT: A CALL FOR CAUTION

It is said that rumours, no matter how grotesque, always have some reason for existence.

It is no longer news that the Majority Leader of Nigeria’s House of Representatives in person of Alhassan Ado Doguwa, is presently being tried for sundry offences which include culpable homicide, arson, possession of firearms and disturbance of public peace among other offences by a Kano State court.

An air of apprehension and rumours carries that the office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Kano State has perfected all plans to either enter nolle presequi in favour of the lawmaker or in the alternative, drop the capital charges against him in a bid to soften the process of his bail before the next general election fixed for March 11th, 2023.

While we do not dispute your power in connection with the provisions of section 211 of the Constitution to terminate the case against the lawmaker, we consider it our self-given duty on behalf of the public and victims of oppression to sound caution. Always remember that as a public servant, your loyalty is primarily to God almighty and then to the public before your appointers.

Recall also that although the power of nolle is unfettered, the courts have set guiding standards for to follow in the exercise of same.
In the Supreme Court case of THE STATE V S.O. ILORI (1983) 1 SCNLR Pg. 94. the apex court clarified that your power under the constitution must be exercised having due regards to the public interest, interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process.

Alhasan’s case is one that carries with it huge public interest and outcry as the evidence against his fatalities is overwhelming and the wounds of his victims are still oozing fresh blood.

Alhassan may be a highly placed Nigerian, but he is before the law which you symbolise as the Attorney General, just as ordinary. He must therefore be treated like equals.
It is on this premise that we call your good office and by extension the entire Ministry of Justice to resist all temptations to manipulate the legal process and subvert the police’s brave efforts louded by all and sundry. This is assuming the rumours are true.

We assure you at this material time, only manifest justice could preserve the sanctity, prestige and integrity of your good office and posterity reputation.

We urge the Honourable Attorney General to preserve his office and allow the law to take its ordinary course.
Thank you and best regards.

Yours Faithfully,

Signed

Abba Hikima Esq
Badamasi Sulaiman Gandu Esq.
Cc:

NBA President:
For your information and necessary action Sir.

NBA Disciplinary Committee:
For your information and necessary action.

Legal Practitioner Privileges Committee:
For your information and necessary action