Kano Indigene Lawyers Petition Attorney General Over Alleged 2023 Election Killings Linked to Doguwa
The National Forum of Kano Indigene Lawyers has petitioned the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Umar Deideiri, demanding the continuation of investigations and prosecution against House of Representatives member, Hon. Alasan Ado Doguwa, over allegations of involvement in killings during the 2023 general elections.
the petition dated [insert date], signed by the forum’s representative, Dr. Jafar Sadiq, the lawyers recalled that several people were killed in Tudun Wada/Doguwa Federal Constituency during the elections under violent circumstances. Families of victims and eyewitnesses reportedly accused Doguwa and other unnamed actors of direct complicity.
The forum alleged that despite the gravity of the matter, investigations were abruptly abandoned due to political pressure, a move it described as unconstitutional and unlawful.
Quoting Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the petition stressed that the right to life imposes a clear duty on the state to investigate and prosecute unlawful killings. It also cited provisions of the Penal Code applicable in Kano and the Electoral Act 2022, which criminalize homicide and electoral violence.
The lawyers reminded the Attorney General that under Section 211 of the Constitution, his office has the exclusive authority to initiate and sustain criminal proceedings in the interest of justice. They warned that leaving the case dormant would embolden impunity and erode public confidence in the justice system.
Beyond the legal arguments, the forum invoked moral and religious grounds, quoting Qur’anic verses on the sanctity of human life and the obligation to uphold justice.
Their demands included:
Reopening the investigation into the killings in Tudun Wada/Doguwa.
Directing security agencies to conduct an impartial probe free from political interference.
Instituting prosecution against Doguwa and others found culpable by evidence.
Delivering justice to victims’ families in accordance with constitutional, statutory, and divine principles.
"The abandonment of this case is both unconstitutional and a betrayal of justice. Justice delayed is justice denied,” the petition read in part.
The forum urged the Attorney General to act swiftly, warning that “history must not record silence where justice was required.”
As of the time of filing this report, Hon. Doguwa has not publicly responded to the petition.
