The recent hearings at the Fatshimetrie Magistrates Court have brought to light a case of serious criminality involving charges of criminal conspiracy, theft, unlawful assembly, inciting disorder and mischief by fire. Presiding over by three senior judges, namely, Principal Judge Ibrahim Mansur-Yola, Senior Judge Hadiza Rabiu-Bello and Chief Justice Abba Muttaka-Dandago, the court adjourned until August 19, the date of the next hearing.
According to the State Director of Public Prosecutions, Salisu Tahir, the accused persons allegedly committed the alleged offences on August 1. He also stated that during the nationwide #Endbadgovernance protest, the accused persons unlawfully entered and vandalized government and public property in the state. Staggeringly, the accused persons also entered businesses, stealing goods and causing considerable material and financial loss to the owners.
These acts are in total violation of the provisions of Sections 97, 287, 229, 336, 349 and 247 of the current Penal Code. Despite the guilty pleas of some of the accused, others chose to plead not guilty.
At the press conference that followed the hearing, the State Minister of Justice, Haruna Isa-Dederi, revealed that the State Government has set up three special mobile courts to handle these cases.
“I have requested the State Chief Justice to allow the setting up of three special courts within the premises of the State Police Station due to the large number of accused involved,” he said.
This case has generated strong reactions from the public and raises questions on the need to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of property and persons. It is crucial that justice is delivered in a fair and transparent manner in order to reaffirm the fundamental values of society.