Court Strikes Out N36 Billion Corruption Case Against Ex-Jigawa Governor, Turaki

• It’s a victory for democracy and rule of law, ex-governor

By Mohammed Abubakar, Dutse

Citing lack of diligence prosecution of criminal case against a former governor of Jigawa state, Ibrahim Saminu Turaki, a Federal High Court in Dutse, on Thursday, struck out the case.

The former governor is standing trial over alleged N 36 billion fraud, while he was in office as the governor of the state

The trial judge, Hassan Dikko, at the sitting of the court on Thursday struck out the case over lack of diligent prosecution from the prosecutor, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The prosecution counsel, the EFCC were absent in the Thursday’s session.

However, the defense counsel, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa, said since the case was slated today for hearing, and neither the prosecution counsel, nor witnesses were in the court, thus, pleaded with the court to strike out the case against the first defendant, Turaki for lack of diligent prosecution.

Andoakaa argued that the Thursday sitting was the sixth adjournment since the case was brought before the High Court in Dutse Branch, and there was no reason given to the court by the prosecutor (the EFCC) for their non-appearance.

The defense counsel, pleaded with the court to therefore strike out the case.

Then Dikko, in his ruling, however, ordered the prosecution and the EFCC to do the needful when they are ready to proceed with the case.

Reacting to the development, Turaki said it is a victory for the democracy and rule of law.

Speaking through one of his aides, the former governor asked his supporters not to be distracted but to continue to keep faith with democracy and the judiciary.