Politics
Federal Court Declares Charges Against Ado Doguwa Unconstitutional
The constitutionality of Culpable Homicide charges, along with Criminal Conspiracy Prosecution, against the House of Representatives Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has been deemed unconstitutional by a Federal High Court in Kano.
Justice Mohammad Yunusa, the Presiding Judge of the Court, announced on Monday that the court has jurisdiction to hear the case and grant a N500 million bail on an exparte application for the embattled majority leader of the House of Representatives.
The judgement was delivered in response to a motion on notice filed by Doguwa, who argued against the violation of his fundamental rights and unlawful detention by the lower court. Justice Yunusa stated that the Chief Magistrate Court did not possess the authority to preside over any charges related to criminal conspiracy.
In addition, Justice Yunusa referred to Section 251 (1) of the law, which specifically confers jurisdiction upon the Federal court to handle cases involving firearms, as stated in the charges brought against Doguwa.
While emphasizing that granting bail to Doguwa did not aim to impede the ongoing trial, Justice Yunusa emphasized the importance of adhering to due process.
An affidavit presented to the court by Doguwa’s lawyer, Nureini Jimoh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, requested the protection of his client’s fundamental rights as provided by the constitution and other lawful provisions.
According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Nureini Jimoh, Doguwa was unlawfully detained by the police, which violated his right to liberty and freedom as protected by various provisions of the 1999 constitution, as amended.
The affidavits presented by Doguwa’s lawyer asserted that the Chief Magistrate’s imprisonment of his client was null, void, and unconstitutional due to the lower court’s lack of competence to handle criminal charges.
Dissatisfied with the order of the court setting Doguwa free, the prosecution counsel AB Saleh had queried the jurisdiction of the Federal high court to exercise the orders, insisting the action of Justice Yunusa amounted to gross abuse of court process.
The prosecution, in his 26 paragraphs counter-affidavits, maintained that police possess a statutory duty to investigate any related case on a criminal conspiracy for any period of time adding that such action does not constitute any infringement of the fundamental right of the citizen.
In his Judgement, Justice Yunusa declared that citizens reserved the right under the provisions of section 46 (1) of the 1999 constitution as amended to approach any high court to challenge an attempt or breach of his or her fundamental right.
While acknowledging the provisions of the law that specifically mention the state high court as the appropriate venue to challenge offenses related to fundamental rights, Justice Yunusa clarified that both the state and federal high courts possess concurrent jurisdiction to address matters concerning fundamental rights.
Justice Yunusa further elaborated that Doguwa should not have been detained in a correctional facility in the first instance since he was not arraigned and formally charged.
The judge stated that the police’s argument regarding a holding charge before the lower court was not recognized by the constitution of the country.
Consequently, the court approved the application, thereby issuing an order that restrains the police from arresting, harassing, detaining, or taking any further action against Doguwa.
The Presidency has taken a swipe at Peter Obi following his recent exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), intensifying political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, criticised Obi’s decision to leave the party, suggesting the former Anambra State governor lacks the capacity to compete within the ADC.
SEE MORE: BREAKING: Peter Obi Dumps ADC Ahead of 2027 Election
Onanuga, who spoke via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, dismissed Obi’s reasons for quitting the party as weak and self-serving, insisting that the former Labour Party presidential candidate was avoiding internal contest.
“We told you so. The political nomad is on the move again. Ignore all those puerile reasons he gave… a self-serving letter to his mob,” Onanuga wrote.
He further alleged that Obi deliberately avoided facing key political heavyweights within the ADC, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
“Peter Obi is a politician made of jelly, an opportunistic fellow. He can’t fight Atiku or Amaechi for the ticket of ADC. He pursues the easy road, that will only lead him to doom, like in 2023,” he added.
Obi had earlier announced his resignation from the ADC, citing internal crises, endless litigations, and what he described as a toxic political climate within the party.
He maintained that his decision was not based on personal grievances against the party leadership.
“Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated me badly, nor because my leader and elder brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me. I will continue to respect them,” Obi said.
He, however, alleged that forces responsible for instability in the Labour Party were beginning to infiltrate the ADC, creating division and distracting from national issues.
Presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, has announced his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing worsening internal crises, political interference, and what he described as a toxic political environment.
In a detailed statement shared on his official X handle on Sunday, Obi said the decision followed deep reflection on the state of Nigeria’s political system and his experiences within party structures.
SEE ALSO: Minimum Wage Can’t Sustain Life Anymore — Peter Obi
He said: “My decision to leave the ADC is not because our respected leaders treated me badly… I will continue to respect them.”
Obi specifically mentioned former Senate President David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stressing that his exit was not due to personal grievances with them.
According to him, the real issue lies in persistent instability within political parties, worsened by interference, court cases, and internal divisions.
“The same forces that created crises in my previous political experience are now appearing in the ADC,” he said.
Obi lamented what he described as a harsh political climate in Nigeria, where integrity and humility are often misunderstood.
“We live in a system where humility is mistaken for weakness and integrity is questioned,” he stated.
He also expressed frustration over how sincere political efforts are often met with criticism and suspicion.
Despite his exit, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to national service, stressing that his ambition is not about political office.
“I am not desperate to be President… I am desperate to see a better Nigeria,” he said.
He added that his concern remains focused on insecurity, poverty, and improving living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.
Meanwhile, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso said consultations are still ongoing among political stakeholders, adding that no final decision has been made regarding broader alignments.
Obi ended his statement on a hopeful note:
“A new Nigeria is POssible.”
He did not disclose his next political destination at the time of filing this report.
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State have taken a decisive step toward the 2027 governorship election by purchasing the expression of interest and nomination forms for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The move, announced on Friday, was led by a delegation headed by a member of the House of Representatives, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, who described the action as a collective decision by party stakeholders across the state.
According to Abiante, the gesture reflects widespread confidence in Fubara’s leadership and a growing demand for continuity among Rivers residents.
READ ALSO: Fubara Shares Palliatives at Community Affected by Gas Emission
“This decision is rooted in the will of the people. It is not about personal ambition or financial strength, but about sustaining a leadership that has shown commitment to development,” he said.
He noted that the governor’s administration has recorded notable progress in infrastructure, particularly in previously hard-to-reach riverine communities.
Abiante cited improved access in areas such as Andoni, as well as the rehabilitation of key public facilities, including the State Secretariat, as indicators of performance.
The lawmaker also highlighted what he described as improved welfare for citizens and a leadership style that is both responsive and people-focused.
“This is a governor who understands the needs of his people and takes action. The support he is receiving is a reflection of that connection,” he added.
Abiante, however, clarified that the governor neither initiated nor influenced the purchase of the forms, stressing that the move was purely driven by stakeholders.
The development comes amid ongoing political realignments in Rivers State following the rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The fallout had earlier caused divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and reshaped the political dynamics in the state.
Fubara’s subsequent defection to the APC has further intensified political activities as he works to consolidate support ahead of the next election cycle.
The nomination forms are expected to be formally presented to the governor as consultations and alignments within the party continue.
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