Court clears Jigawa commissioner of adultery charges, dismisses case
By Umar Akilu Majeri Dutse
A Kano Upper Shari’a Court has dismissed adultery charges against Auwalu Danladi Sankara, the suspended Jigawa State Commissioner for Special Duties, clearing him of allegations of illicit relations with a married woman, Tasleem Baba Nabegu.
The presiding judge, Ibrahim Sarki Yola, ruled on Monday that the case lacked sufficient evidence, following a report from the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Zone 1, Kano, and the Kano State Attorney General’s office, which found no grounds to support the accusation.
The case had been filed by Nasiru Buba, Nabegu’s husband, who claimed that Sankara had an affair with his wife.
However, Judge Yola noted that investigations conducted by the police, as well as findings from the Hisbah Commission, showed no evidence to substantiate the claims.
“Following the investigation by the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, the report shows there is no evidence to prove that there was any illicit affair between Auwalu Danladi Sankara and Tasleem Baba Nabegu,” the judge stated in his ruling.
Judge Yola further emphasized the importance of careful handling of such cases, particularly those involving prominent public figures, to avoid unwarranted reputational damage.
He added that the complainant and his legal team had failed to appear in court to challenge the police findings, which led to the dismissal of the case.
“This case lacks merit and any reliable evidence for the court to proceed with. Therefore, the case is hereby struck out, and both the first and second defendants are discharged,” Judge Yola declared.
In response, the defense counsel for the first defendant, Barrister Rabiu Shuaibu Abdullahi, expressed satisfaction with the judgment. “We are satisfied with the court’s ruling and the vindication of our client,” he said.
Saddam Suleiman Shehu, counsel for Sankara, also welcomed the ruling, saying the court’s decision proved the innocence of his client.
“We are studying the outcome of the judgment and the possible political motivations behind the allegations for further action,” he added.
Sankara’s suspension by the Jigawa State government followed allegations made by the Kano Hisbah Board, which claimed the commissioner was arrested in a compromising position with a married woman in an uncompleted building.
The incident, which occurred on October 19, was initially reported by the Hisbah Board after a complaint was filed by the woman’s husband.
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa had ordered Sankara’s suspension on October 20 to allow for an unbiased investigation into the matter.
In a statement, the Secretary to the State Government, Bala Ibrahim, emphasized that the suspension was a precautionary measure designed to uphold the integrity of the administration while ensuring accountability and ethical standards in governance.
“The suspension is a precautionary measure intended to facilitate a fair investigation. We take all allegations seriously and are dedicated to upholding the trust of Jigawa citizens in the government,” Ibrahim said.
