By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi
Two Fulani youths from Gwalango village in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State were arraigned before the High Court 2 in Birnin Kebbi on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, intentionally causing hurt, and attempt to commit kidnapping, contrary to sections 60 sub- 1, 222, and 248 sub-2 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Laws 2021.
The defendants were brought before Hon. Justice Nusirat Ibrahim Umar, and the prosecution counsel, Barrister Hayatu Isah Muhammad from the Ministry of Justice, informed the court that they were ready to present witnesses. The prosecution intended to call five witnesses, but only three were present in court.
The defendants' counsel, Barrister Isiyaku Muhammad Danjuma, confirmed that they were also ready to proceed. The prosecution counsel then called PW1, an official witness from the NSCDC, ASCII Abubakar Washe, to tender his evidence.
PW1 tendered two cutlasses, two black jungle caps, and one keypad Techno mobile phone as exhibits, which were recovered from the defendants, alongside their voluntary statements. During cross-examination, the defendants' counsel asked PW1 if it was a tradition for Fulani people to carry cutlasses anywhere, and PW1 replied in the affirmative.
PW2, Abubakar Usman Kaoje, an NSCDC officer, testified that he translated the recorded statements of the defendants from Hausa to English language and conducted an identification parade of the defendants in the NSCDC office using a tinted glass. During cross-examination, PW2 confirmed that the defendants had not made any confessional statements and that he was not the investigating officer.
PW3, Hassan Idris, a farmer and witness, testified that he knew the defendants and that they were identified by the victim, Hauwa Muhammad Altine, in a market and at an army checkpoint. However, during cross-examination, PW3 confirmed that the victim's father had not mentioned the defendants' names in his statement.
The court adjourned the matter to July 24, 2025, for further hearing, allowing the prosecution to present more witnesses. As the court adjourned, the defendants' counsel expressed optimism about their clients' case, while the prosecution counsel remained confident in their evidence.
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Judiciary