A Jigawa state Magistrate Court has remanded a former governor of the state, Sule Lamido, in prison custody.

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Lamido is to be in the Kiyawa prison until May 4 when applications for his bail will be decided, Chief Magistrate Usman Lamin ruled.

The magistrate said he needed time to decide on the application for bail and the Police’s First Investigation Report (FIR), brought as evidence in the case.

 Sule  Lamido is being prosecuted by Ikenna Ekpunobi who obtained a fiat by the Jigawa state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sani Gabbas.

A copy of the fiat obtained by Mr. Ekpunobi, shows that Lamido is being prosecuted on a four-count charge of inciting disturbance contrary to section 114 of the Penal Code, disturbance of public peace contrary to section 113 of the Penal Code, defamation of character punishable under section 392 of the Penal Code and criminal intimidation punishable under section 397 of the Penal Code.

Counsel to the former governor, Jones Osimerha expressed disappointment that Sule Lamido was not granted bail today inspite of the weighty arguments presented; he said all the accusations are bail-able and saw no reason he would have to be detained till Thursday.

Supporters of the former governor who besieged the Court for show of solidarity were dispersed with teargas by the gallant, armed security personnel.

Several supporters argued that the arrest and detention of Sule Lamido is political.

 

 Reports by King Richard