By Our Correspondent
An Ulama residing in Kano Sheikh Ibrahim Makwarari standing trial for alleged involvement in the forgery of title ownership of landed properties located at Ahmadu Bello way in Nassarawa Local Government Area before a Magistrate court
Presided over by Mustapha Sa’ad Datti, has failed the regulations set for the payment of N20 million coupled with the presentation of two sureties in like sum in which he will be granted bail
The complaint on the matter against the Islamic Scholar was initially lodged by the Kano State Ministry of Land at the Nigeria Police Zonal Command One Buk Road Kano.
The outfit in the letter accused the cleric of forging original land title documents bearing the names of Kassim Usman Baba and Audu Yaro Fagge.
It added that after thorough and authenticated review the Ministry realised that the items were forged by the defendant hence forwarded the issue before the zonal command
Later, after the contents of the first Information Report were read before him, Sheikh Ibrahim pleaded not guilty.
Consequently, the defence counsel, Barrister Ahmad Tijjani Shehu, prayed the court to grant his client bail, as according to him the matter is bailable
He said he based his reasons on what was stated in Section 35(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and Sections 168 and 173 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), Kano State.
The counsel further submitted that his client would not jump bail and was ready to provide reliable sureties.
Responding, the prosecution counsel, SP Nura Lawal, urged the court to dismiss the defence application, arguing that the defendant would likely jump bail if granted.
The prosecution added that the accused was aware of his arraignment long ago but went into hiding.
He added that even when he was arrested on monday he was so volatile as he attempted to take to his heels .
He maintained that his attitude was highly confrontational and temperamental.”
He contended that despite the fact granting of bail lies within the discretionary powers of the court, it would be better to take the defendant’s conduct into consideration hence deny the defence counsel’s request
In his ruling, the magistrate, mustapha Saad Datti said after hearing submissions of both sides, he would grant the cleric bail only after the payment of N20 million with two reliable sureties .
The court further ordered that one of the surety shall be a traditional leader with an authorized letter from Kano Emirate Council.
According to the court, another surety shall be a prominent business man who possesses landed property worth 50 million naira within Kano Metropolis.
The court also ordered the Cleric to deposit his international passport before its registry and the registry to verify the residence of the two sureties.
But surprisingly,the defendant failed to fulfill the guidelines as he was sent to the Correctional centre
The case was adjourned by the presiding magistrate to 12 February, for further mentioning.
