Kano Shari’ah Court Dismisses Adultery Case Against Jigawa Commissioner

Babatunji Wusu –

• The Shari’a Court dismissed an adultery case against Auwal Sankara, ruling it lacked merit.
• The case was filed by Nasiru Buba, accusing his wife and Sankara of an affair.
• Police investigation found no evidence to support the allegations.
• Sankara’s lawyer expressed satisfaction with the ruling, while Baba-Nabegu’s lawyer indicated plans to sue for defamation.
• The case highlights the importance of evidence and due process in addressing public accusations.

The Upper Shari’a Court in Kano has dismissed an adultery case filed against the Jigawa State Commissioner for Special Duties, Auwal Sankara, for lack of merit. The case, brought by Nasiru Buba, the husband of Tasleem Baba-Nabegu, accused his wife and Sankara of having an illicit affair.

In his ruling, Judge Ibrahim Sarki-Yola emphasized that the Kano Hisbah Board, which had initiated the case, should ensure thorough investigations before presenting such matters in court. He noted that allegations against prominent individuals must be handled carefully to avoid damaging reputations without sufficient evidence.

The court referenced a report from the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, which found no evidence to support the claims of an affair between Sankara and Baba-Nabegu. The judge pointed out that neither the complainant, Nasiru Buba, nor his legal team appeared in court to challenge the police investigation or its findings. As a result, the case was struck out.

Speaking after the ruling, Sankara’s counsel, Sadam Suleiman, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, stating, “We have always maintained that our client is innocent. The court has affirmed this by clearing his name based on the police investigation.”

In response, Rabiu Shu’aibu, the counsel for Mrs. Baba-Nabegu, announced plans to pursue a defamation lawsuit against Mr. Buba for making the unfounded allegations. “We will discuss with our client the possibility of filing a case against Nasiru Buba, as he has defamed her name,” Shu’aibu said.

The court’s decision marks the end of a highly publicized case that attracted attention across Jigawa State. It underscores the importance of due process, thorough investigations, and credible evidence in handling such serious allegations.