By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State High Court No. 6 has discharged and acquitted two defendants who were standing trial over allegations of criminal conspiracy, assault, attempted kidnapping and unlawful possession of weapons after judgment that the prosecution failed to prove its case.
The Bureau Journal reports that the judgment was delivered by Hon. Justice Hassan Shehu Kuwa in Suit No. KB/HC/80C/2025, involving The People of Kebbi State v. Isma’il Sani, Alasan Muhammadu and Abdulrahman Ibrahim.
Court Finds No Prima Facie Case
The defendants were arraigned on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, assault or use of criminal force without provocation, attempted kidnapping and unlawful possession of weapons under the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021.
After the prosecution closed its case and both parties adopted their written addresses, the court reserved judgment before delivering its decision.
Justice Hassan Shehu Kuwa held that the prosecution failed to establish the essential elements of the offences against the surviving defendants.
“The prosecution failed to link the defendants with the offences alleged. The prosecution did not present competent and credible witnesses to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt,” the judge ruled.
Based on the findings, the court discharged and acquitted the defendants on all the charges brought against them.
One Defendant Died During Trial
According to the court record, the first defendant, Isma’il Sani, died while in custody at the correctional centre during the course of the trial.
The judgment therefore related to the remaining two defendants, Alasan Muhammadu and Abdulrahman Ibrahim.
Legal Representation
The prosecution was conducted by Mrs. Mary Antak of the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice.
Mr. S.K. Mungadi represented the second defendant, while Mr. Usman Abba Tukur appeared for the third defendant throughout the proceedings.
Defence Lawyers Welcome Judgment
Reacting to the verdict, counsel to the second defendant, Mr. S.K. Mungadi, described the judgment as a reaffirmation of the constitutional presumption of innocence.
“The court has done justice in accordance with the law by holding the prosecution to the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt,” he said.
Also commenting on the judgment, counsel to the third defendant, Mr. Usman Abba Tukur, said the judgment reinforced the principle that criminal convictions must be based on credible and sufficient evidence.
“Where the prosecution fails to establish the essential ingredients of the offences, the court has no option but to acquit,” he stated.
Trial Concludes
The judgment brings to an end the criminal trial, which began in 2025 following allegations of conspiracy, assault, attempted kidnapping and unlawful possession of weapons in Kebbi State.
As Nigeria News Today continues to monitor judicial proceedings across the country, The Bureau Journal notes that the High Court reaffirmed the prosecution’s obligation to prove criminal allegations beyond reasonable doubt before a conviction can be secured.
The Bureau Journal will continue to report significant court decisions and legal developments affecting the administration of justice in Nigeria.
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