A Gusau Magistrate Court in Zamfara State has mandated the state police commissioner to probe a criminal complaint lodged by a former lawmaker, Yusuf Alhasan Kanoma, against Mustafa Jafaru Kaura, an aide to the governor. The allegations include defamation, death threats, and inciting public disorder.
During the hearing, Magistrate Murtala Abdullahi issued the order, referring the case to law enforcement for a comprehensive inquiry.
The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulaziz Sani (SAN), represented by the Director of Litigation, argued for transferring the case to the Ministry of Justice, citing Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution. However, the complainant’s lawyer, Barrister Surajo Garba Gusau, objected, stating that such a move was unsuitable given the circumstances.
Gusau alleged that the defendant had avoided service and mobilized thugs to impede court officials from delivering summons at his home. He insisted that the Attorney-General should facilitate justice rather than attempt to assume control of the case.
While acknowledging the Attorney-General’s constitutional authority, the counsel emphasized that those powers must be exercised lawfully, particularly in light of the severity of the allegations.
The court has now ordered a police investigation, and further proceedings will be determined based on the outcome.