A photo file of House Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa
The Kano State Government has exonerated House Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide charges.
The charges were first filed against him during the collation of results for the Tudun Wada/Doguwa Federal Constituency Presidential and National Assembly Elections in 2023.
Mr Musa Lawal, the Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, announced the decision during a press conference on Thursday, citing the Homicide Section of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).
Discrepancies in witness testimony and the lack of forensic evidence linking Doguwa to the crimes, according to the Ministry’s investigation, led to the conclusion that there is insufficient evidence against him.
The investigation also underlined the chaotic circumstances that occurred on the day of the attack.
“The conflicting statements, inconclusive medical assessments, and the absence of forensic evidence linking the primary suspect to the crimes have led us to conclude that there is insufficient evidence against Alhassan Ado Doguwa,” the report stated.
Mr Lawal explained that facts and observations were not enough to link Doguwa with the said offences.
“We stand by our findings, which are the result of an extensive investigation and careful examination of the available evidence.” He noted.
Since then, legal experts and campaigners have asked for transparency in the inquiry process and for authorities to release a thorough account of the evidence that led to Doguwa’s charges being dropped.
Writing by Adeniyi Bakare