Alleged blasphemy: Drama as defence counsel walks out on judge

A mild drama ensued at the Upper Shariah Court Kofar Kudu during the ongoing trial of alleged blasphemy against Kano cleric, Sheikh Abduljabbar Kabara, on Thursday, as defence counsel, Dalhatu Usman walked out on the judge, accusing him of bias.

Usman had accused Khadi Ibrahim Sarki Yola of denying him the right to objection against the prosecuting counsel while examining the respondent.

Kabara is standing trial for blasphemous preaching against Prophet Muhammad and disrupting public peace instituted by Kano State Government.

The defence counsel had earlier asked the court to strike out the charges against the cleric.

Yola however declined the request, saying it was not possible in the middle of trial.

He said objections against the charges can be advanced relying on section 390 of Kano State Laws 2019.

Usman later said the court was conniving with Kano State Government and relative of the defendant against his client.

“From the way the court is handling the case, we understood that the judge is siding with the government and Sheikh Karibullah Kabara.

“In fact, the judge is answerable to Karibullah Kabara and he is being directed by him.

“Even the examination against Abduljabbar was prepared by Karibullah. We know everything. We’ve heard him in a press conference where he said my client won’t be granted bail,” Usman said.

He said the case would be appealed because they understood that the court will not be fair and just to them.

The court, however, said despite the contemptuous behaviour of the lawyer, it would not punish the counsel.

Meanwhile, the prosecuting counsel led by Barr Umar Danbaito said what the defence counsel did to court was reprehensible.

“Court isn’t a marketplace where you behave anyhow. There are rules and ethics. There are ways to channel any grievances he may have not to walk out.

“The action is unbecoming of a lawyer. Although the Court said it would not punish him for his actions, I believe the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) will not accept this behaviour. They would take appropriate action on that,” Danbaito said.

He said since the counsel opted out of the case, they would wait for any lawyer to defend the respondent.

The court, therefore, adjourned the case till July 21, 2022, for continuation of defence.

The Star

Aminu Adamu Naganye