Court Transfers Case of Shari'a Court Judge for Assaulting a Blind Housewife to CMC 1 in Zaria

 

BY SANI ALIYU, Zaria

A Magistrate Court sitting at Tudun Wada, Zaria, has transferred the case of a retired Upper Shari'a Court Judge, Mahmoud Shehu, to the Chief Magistrate Court 1, Chediya, for reassignment.

The case stems from allegations of forceful entry, use of force, and assaulting a blind housewife, contrary to Sections 327, 237, and 239 of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017.

Inspector Adamu Abubakar, the prosecuting officer, informed the Court that the case was scheduled for a definite hearing. He also stated that the Court had ordered the defendant to pay witnesses N20,000 for transportation expenses due to unnecessary adjournments sought by the defense.

Barrister Ibrahim B. Ahmed, the defense counsel, claimed to be unaware of the said order and the amount, leading to a brief heated debate that was eventually resolved.

Senior Magistrate Lukman Sidi of Magistrate Court, Tudun Wada, Zaria, announced his withdrawal from the case and transferred it to the Chief Magistrate Court 1, Chediya, for reassignment. This decision followed a petition by the defense alleging that the Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.

It is recalled that on September 6, 2024, one Garba Adda'u, a resident of Gonar Ganye, Tudun Jukun, Zaria, filed a complaint at the Tudun Wada Divisional Police Office. He alleged that Mahmoud Shehu locked their main gate, followed his blind wife into her room, and assaulted her along with two other women who were attempting to protect her.

The Prosecutor also stated that Mahmoud Shehu's actions necessitated the victim's treatment at the PHC Tudun Wada.

The case has faced numerous unnecessary adjournments requested by the defense.