The Upper Shari’a Court in Kano, presided over by Ibrahim Sarki Yola, has acquitted Auwal Danladi Sankara, the Commissioner of Special Duties for Jigawa State, of allegations of adultery with a married woman.
The case was brought forward by Nasiru Buba, who accused Sankara of having an illicit affair with his wife, Tasleem Baba Nabegu.
In his ruling, Sarki Yola stressed the importance of thorough and careful investigations by law enforcement and regulatory bodies such as the Hisbah Commission. He highlighted that accusations against prominent individuals must be handled with caution to prevent reputational damage.
“Following the investigation by the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, the report shows there is no evidence to substantiate the claim of an illicit affair between Auwal Danladi Sankara and Tasleem Baba Nabegu,” the judge stated.
The court also noted that the complainant and his legal representatives had failed to appear to contest the police findings.
“Since the complainant and his lawyers are absent to challenge the police report, I have no option but to strike out the case,” Sarki Yola added.
Speaking on behalf of Sankara, his lawyer, Barrister Sadam Suleiman, expressed satisfaction with the judgment.
“We have always maintained our client’s innocence. The court has confirmed this by clearing his name based on the police investigation,” Suleiman said.
Meanwhile, Rabiu Shu’aibu, lawyer for Tasleem Baba Nabegu, stated that his team might pursue further legal action against Nasiru Buba for defamation.
“We will consult with our client to explore the possibility of filing a case against Nasiru Buba for defaming her name,” Shu’aibu remarked.
This ruling concludes a highly publicised case that has attracted attention across Jigawa State, underscoring the importance of evidence and due process in dealing with such allegations.