The Upper Shari’a Court in Kano, led by Judge Ibrahim Sarki Yola, has acquitted Auwal Danladi Sankara, the Commissioner of Special Duties for Jigawa State, of adultery charges involving a married woman.
The case was initiated by Nasiru Buba, who accused Sankara of engaging in an affair with his wife, Tasleem Baba Nabegu.
In his ruling, Judge Sarki Yola stressed the importance of conducting thorough investigations, especially when accusations involve prominent figures. He advised law enforcement and bodies like the Hisbah Commission to exercise caution to prevent unjust damage to reputations.
“Based on the investigation conducted by the Assistant Inspector General of Police’s office, there is no evidence to support the claim of an illicit relationship between Auwal Danladi Sankara and Tasleem Baba Nabegu,” the judge declared.
The court noted that the complainant, Nasiru Buba, and his legal team failed to appear in court to challenge the police report.
“With the absence of the complainant and his lawyers to dispute the police findings, I am left with no choice but to dismiss the case,” Judge Sarki Yola concluded.
Sankara’s lawyer, Barrister Sadam Suleiman, expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating, “We have always maintained that our client is innocent. The court’s decision, based on the police investigation, has cleared his name.”
On the other hand, Rabiu Shu’aibu, representing Tasleem Baba Nabegu, hinted at possible legal action against Nasiru Buba for defamation.
“We will consult with our client to consider pursuing a defamation case against Nasiru Buba for tarnishing her reputation,” Shu’aibu noted.
This judgment marks the conclusion of a widely followed case in Jigawa State, underscoring the significance of evidence and due process in handling serious accusations.