A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State has raised serious concerns over the ongoing trial of its State Chairman, Sufiyanu Bala, urging local and international bodies to intervene amid allegations of judicial irregularities and political persecution. The party’s Secretary, Abubakar Bawa Kalgo, made the appeal during a press conference in Birnin Kebbi, highlighting what he described as procedural flaws and bias in the legal proceedings against Bala. Bala is currently facing charges of contempt of court and incitement of the public at Chief Magistrate Court 1 and the High Court in Birnin Kebbi.
Kalgo stated that the ADC faction, which aligns with Abubakar Chika Malami, held its state congress in April, during which Bala was elected as State Chairman. Just eight days after his emergence, Bala was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force based on a warrant issued by the magistrate court. Since then, repeated attempts to arraign him between April 20 and April 24 have been marred by what the party claims are substantive and procedural irregularities. The faction insists that a parallel legal matter involving Bala is already before the High Court, yet the magistrate court has continued to proceed with its own case.
According to Kalgo, an interim investigation report by the police acknowledged the existence of the High Court matter and recommended that prosecution be handled there. Despite this, the magistrate court proceeded with the arraignment, raising further questions about the fairness of the process. Bala’s counsel, A. A. Fingilla, had formally requested that the presiding magistrate recuse himself due to alleged bias, but the request was denied. As a result, Fingilla withdrew from the case, leaving Bala’s legal representation in jeopardy.
Kalgo described the situation as part of a wider pattern of alleged harassment targeting ADC members in Kebbi State. He named individuals such as Umar Abubakar, Hussaina Ahmed Jega, Nasiru Garba Hashim, and Umar Yakubu Kamba as having faced similar challenges, suggesting a coordinated effort to undermine the party. In response, the ADC plans to formally petition key institutions, including the National Judicial Council (NJC), Kebbi State Judicial Service Commission, International Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International, and the United States Department of Justice.
The party is calling on the Kebbi State Government and judiciary to uphold the rule of law and prevent what it views as the misuse of legal processes for political ends. Kalgo warned against the erosion of democratic institutions by partisan actors, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in judicial proceedings. The case continues to draw attention as a potential test of judicial independence and political fairness in the state.
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