A Magistrate Court sitting in Gusau, Zamfara State, has directed the Commissioner of Police to investigate a criminal case filed by a former member of the State House of Assembly, Yusuf Alhasan Kanoma.
The case, instituted against Mustafa Jafaru Kaura, a media aide to the Zamfara State Governor, involves allegations of defamation, threat to life, and incitement of public disturbance.
Presiding magistrate, Murtala Abdullahi, gave the directive during proceedings, referring the matter to the police for a thorough investigation.
At the hearing, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulaziz Sani, SAN, represented by the Director of Litigation, urged the court to transfer the case to the Ministry of Justice in line with Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
However, counsel to the complainant, Barrister Surajo Garba Gusau, opposed the request, arguing that the move was inappropriate given the circumstances surrounding the case.
He alleged that the defendant had evaded service and directed thugs to obstruct court officials attempting to deliver court summons at his residence, insisting that the Attorney-General should support efforts to ensure justice rather than seek to take over the matter.
While acknowledging the constitutional powers of the Attorney-General, the counsel maintained that such powers must be exercised in accordance with due process, especially considering the nature of the allegations.
The court subsequently ordered a police investigation into the matter, with further proceedings expected after the outcome of the probe.
