A Kano State Magistrate Court sitting in Nomansland has ordered that Mu’azu Danbala be remanded in a correctional facility following his arraignment for allegedly describing Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje as ‘Kano thief’ on Facebook.
Mr Danbala and his co-defendant Jamilu Shehu were accused of also making defamatory statements on Facebook against the governor’s children Abdul’aziz and Balaraba.
The suspects were arraigned for alleged conspiracy, intentional insult, inciting public disturbance and defamation of character contrary to Section 97, 114, 391 and 399 of the Penal Code. Mr Shehu is currently at large.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) on October 26, the chairman, Nassarawa Local Government Area, Auwal Shuaibu, reported to the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB), Kano Command and complained against the duo, both of Sabon Garin Kiru, Kiru LGA, Kano State.
“That on the same date you both conspired and posted on the Facebook platform, the image and portrait of His Excellency, Executive Governor of Kano State, including his children Abdulaziz Ganduje and Balaraba Ganduje, with a bold written on it ‘Barayin Kano’ (Kano thieves) knowing fully well that your action may result to breach of peace within the state and outside.
”You are therefore suspected to have committed the above mention offences,” the FIR stated.
The suspect, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and thereafter the defence counsel applied for his bail.
Presiding judge Aminu Gabari ordered the police to produce the case diary before the court would determine whether or not to admit the suspect to bail.
The case was adjourned to November 8 for further mention.
