Hanifa’s Death: Lack of Legal Representation Stalls Arraignment

Arraignment of 3 suspected killers of 5 year old pupil, Hanifa Abubakar before Kano State High court has been stalled on Monday due to lack of legal representation for each of them.

Trio suspected killers include: Abdulmalik tanko, Hashimu Isiyaku and Fatima Bashir, they are standing trial on the allegation of kidnapping, torturing and killing Hanifa Abubakar and requested the sum of N6 million ransom from her parent.

Justice Watch News recalls that on Jan. 24 the defendants were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Muhammmad Jibril on 4 count charge of Kidnapping, Culpable Homicide, Conspiracy, Concealment of a child and Abduction.

When the case came up on Monday, before Justice Usman Naabba of Kano State High court for arraignment, the 3 defendants were not legally represented.

They however prayed the court to order Kano State Government to provide legal representation for them.

In his response after announcing his appearance, the Prosecution Counsel led by Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Musa Abdullahi Lawan sought for adjournment to enable state provide legal representation for the 3 defendants.

” My Lord! We are constraints to go on with the case today, the defendants asking the state to provide legal services for them. Perhaps that is the position of the law, ” Attorney General said.

Justice Watch News gathered that a defendant in capital offence shall provide a counsel to defend him and if he is not capable of providing a lawyer, the Prosecution must to provide it for him, and this is to ensure justice is prevail at the end of trial.

The case adjourned to 14th February, 2022 for arraignment.

source……justice Watch