Kebbi ADC Raises Alarm Over Chairman’s Trial, Plans Petition to NJC
A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State has expressed concern over the ongoing trial of its State Chairman, Sufiyanu Bala, alleging irregularities in the legal process.
The party’s Secretary, Abubakar Bawa Kalgo, made the claims during a press conference in Birnin Kebbi, calling on both local and international bodies to intervene in the matter.
Bala is currently facing trial at Chief Magistrate Court 1 and the High Court in Birnin Kebbi over allegations related to contempt of court and incitement.
Kalgo explained that the faction, aligned with Abubakar Chika Malami, conducted its congresses in April, during which Bala emerged as state chairman. He alleged that Bala was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force eight days after his emergence, following a warrant issued by a magistrate court.
According to him, efforts to arraign Bala between April 20 and April 24 were plagued by procedural and substantive irregularities.
He further claimed that despite a related matter already before the High Court, the magistrate court continued to proceed with the case.
Kalgo also stated that an interim police investigation reportedly acknowledged the High Court proceedings and recommended that prosecution be handled there, yet the magistrate court went ahead with the arraignment.
He added that Bala’s counsel, A. A. Fingilla, had requested that the presiding magistrate step down over alleged bias, but the application was denied, leading to the lawyer’s withdrawal from the case.
The ADC secretary described the situation as part of a broader pattern of alleged persecution of party members, citing similar experiences involving Umar Abubakar, Hussaina Ahmed Jega, Nasiru Garba Hashim, and Umar Yakubu Kamba.
Kalgo said the party plans to petition several bodies, including the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Kebbi State Judicial Service Commission, the International Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International, and the United States Department of Justice.
He urged the Kebbi State Government and the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and ensure fairness, warning against what he described as the misuse of democratic institutions for political purposes.
