After more than two decades, a man previously accused of manslaughter has been acquitted by a Kano Upper Shari’a Court.
The court, sitting in Rijiyar Lemo, ruled in favour of Sabi’u Aliyu Unguwa Uku, who was first arraigned in 2002 for allegedly killing a cyclist, Ibrahim Wada Musa.
Unguwa Uku had reportedly crushed the cyclist with a vehicle, leading to his arraignment. He was subsequently granted bail.
However, the legal process faced a major setback when the court handling the case was destroyed during a civil disturbance in the city. The case remained inactive until recently, when authorities attempted to revive it.
During the resumed hearing, the defence counsel objected to the renewed prosecution, citing that the time allowed for bringing up such charges had long expired.
He asked the court to dismiss the case entirely.
In delivering his verdict, Khadi Aliyu Jibrin Danzaki upheld the defence’s argument, stating that the charges were no longer valid.
“The charges put against him are not in order,” the judge ruled, leading to the discharge of the accused.
