Shari’a court clears Jigawa commissioner of adultery allegations

Auwal Danladi Sankara
The Upper Shari’a Court in Kano, presided over by Judge Ibrahim Sarki Yola, has dismissed allegations of adultery against Auwal Danladi Sankara, Jigawa State’s Commissioner for Special Duties. Sankara had been accused of having an illicit affair with Tasleem Baba Nabegu, the wife of Nasiru Buba.

In delivering his verdict, Sarki Yola stressed the importance of thorough investigations by law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies, such as the Hisbah Commission, when dealing with accusations against public figures. He also emphasized the need for caution to protect the reputations of individuals.

“After reviewing the investigation conducted by the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, the report clearly shows there is no evidence to support the claim of an affair between Auwal Danladi Sankara and Tasleem Baba Nabegu,” the judge stated.

The court further noted that the complainant, Nasiru Buba, and his legal team failed to appear in court to contest the findings of the police investigation. “Since the complainant and his lawyers were absent to challenge the police report, I am left with no choice but to strike out the case,” Judge Sarki Yola added.

In a statement following the ruling, Barrister Sadam Suleiman, legal counsel for Sankara, expressed his client’s relief and satisfaction with the judgment. “We have always maintained our client’s innocence, and the court’s decision affirms that there was no wrongdoing, based on the thorough police investigation,” Suleiman said.

Meanwhile, Rabiu Shu’aibu, representing Tasleem Baba Nabegu, indicated that further legal action may be considered against Nasiru Buba for defamation. “We will consult with our client to explore the possibility of filing a defamation suit against Nasiru Buba for tarnishing her reputation,” Shu’aibu said.

The court’s ruling brings an end to the high-profile case, which had attracted significant attention across Jigawa State, underscoring the importance of due process and credible evidence in addressing such serious allegations.