The majority leader of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Doguwa, has been arraigned before a magistrate’s court in Kano for culpable homicide, conspiracy, mischief, unlawful possession of fire arms and inciting disturbance.
Others charged at large are Nazifi Asnanic, Nafiu Musa, Hamisu Amadu and Abdulhadi Alaramma.
“That Alhassan Doguwa was charged with burning a building that resulted to the burning of Alasan Mohammed and Aminu Malam Amadu to death, while Bashir Yani, Labaran Sule and one Amadu injured by the fire,” one of the charges read in part.
The offences are contrary to Section 97, 114, 247, 336 and 221 of Penal Code.
The prosecution counsel prayed the court to remand the two defendants and set another day for arraignment to enable the office of the attorney general to review the case.
Mr Doguwa’s counsel, Abdul Adamu, prayed for bail and assured the magistrate that they will not jump the bail.
He added that the accused would strictly abide by the bail conditions, in view of the fact that he is a serving member of House of Representatives and member-elect for Doguwa/Tudunwada Federal Constituency.
The prosecution counsel however argued that any person charged with culpable homicide shall not be granted bail unless at high court.
Citing Section 127 of Criminal Justice Law 2019, the prosecution counsel argued that the court lacks jurisdiction to try the offence and as such, it can not grant bail to the accused.
In his ruling, Senior Magistrate Ibrahim Mansur ordered that the accused be ramanded in Goron Dutse Prison and adjourned the case until March 7.
