Chidi Samuel|
A Kano high court on Thursday barred the state house of assembly from investigating the governor over the allegation that he collected bribes from one of the contractors in the state.
According to Justice Ahmed Badamasi, the assembly lacks the power to investigate or invite Abdullahi Ganduje over any alleged criminal case.
Badamasi said the power to investigate criminal charges is vested in the police, Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The assembly, the judge ruled is only vested with the power to make law and review existing law but not the power to investigate criminal matters.
Ganduje was being investigated by the assembly following the release Online of a video purportedly showing him receiving millions of dollars from a contractor.
He has since denied the claim, insisting that the video was doctored.
The suit was filed by Muhammad Zubairu, national coordinator of Lawyers for Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria, a pro-democracy group.
Joined as defendants in the suit were Baffa Dangundi, chairman of the investigative panel of the house, and the attorney general of the state.
Nuraini Jimoh, counsel to the plaintiff, applauded the ruling while Muhammad Waziri, the defendant’s lawyer, said he would consult his clients on their next line of action.
