Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, the member representing Tudun Wada/Doguwa Federal Constituency of Kano State, has expressed profound confidence in the Nigerian judiciary, describing it as the last hope for the common man.
This follows a ruling by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday, which dismissed the Kano State Government’s case of culpable homicide against him.
Recall that Doguwa who chairs the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) was in 2023 accused of killing members of the opposition party in his Tudun-Wada constituency and razing a secretariat of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in the community during the February 15 National Assembly elections.
He was subsequently remanded at the Kano Correctional Centre by Chief Magistrate Court alleged five counts bordering on culpable homicide and other criminal charges.
The court ruled that the appeal by the Kano Government lacked merit, upholding an earlier judgment by the Federal High Court, Abuja, which had cleared Doguwa of all charges. The Federal High Court, in a judgment dated December 5, 2023, in suit no: FHC/ABJ/714/2019, had not only acquitted the lawmaker but also fined the Kano State Government N25 million for defaming Doguwa’s character.
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Speaking on the appellate court’s decision, Doguwa emphasized the fairness of Nigeria’s judicial system, stating, “For me, this is a testimony of our good and reliable judicial system. Of course, for an individual to win a case against a desperate state government like that of Kano is proof that Nigeria’s judiciary remains the only hope of the common man.”
He went on to thank God for his vindication, attributing the charges to the “mischief of political opponents” and urging his constituents to celebrate the victory peacefully.
“We appreciate Allah for once again vindicating me and absolving me from the mischief of my political opponents.
“I want to urge my people, especially at the constituency level, to celebrate this victory by thanking Allah and avoiding any breach of law and order,” Doguwa said.
Reflecting on the entire judicial process, Doguwa added that he accepted everything that had transpired as part of a divine plan, using the experience as preparation for future leadership roles.
The case, which has been a significant point of political and legal contention in Kano State, is now considered a victory for the lawmaker, who remains steadfast in his political career following the court’s ruling.
