Sokoto crises: Members’ Counsel Appealed Judgment.

Barrister A. A. Michika, a one time Justice Commissioner in Kastina state and brothers’ Counsel in Sokoto appealed the Judgment passed against members in Sokoto in Higher Court of Justice, Sokoto.

Speaking to our reporter, Barrister Michika says five more charges were added against the accused making them 11 instead of six that were already before the Court.  He further expressed that the way and manner the judgement was passed is against the provision of law.

 He added that the charges before the court were: -holding gathering without permission, preventing security men from carrying out their duties, causing public disturbance, harassing men of Police and refusing to submit to them. Others are illegal use of arms and murder of  Danmaishiyya, though the murder case was dropped later. He added that the accused were brought before the Court on 25/3/08, two days before the designated day, and judgment was passed in the absence of their Counsel.

 The Judge passed 11 year prison term to each of the accused; each of the charges carries 1 year prison term as a punishment.

 Michika said the way and the manner the judgment was passed contravene sections 149-166 of Sharia Codes and therefore appealed judgment in the Higher Court of Justice in Sokoto.

 The Lawyer added that there are now five pending cases with Sokoto State Government- two appeal cases, two regarding the destruction of Markaz and the other on the destruction of houses belonging to members of the Islamic Movement.

He called on people especially members of the Movement and the relatives of the accused to be calm as Truth will surely overcome lie.