EX GOVERNOR SULE LAMIDO REMANDED IN PRISON CUSTODY AMIDST PROTESTS

Heavily armed policemen on Tuesday in Dutse, Jigawa State capital, fired teargas canisters at a crowd that gathered at the Chief Magistrate Court Two for the arraignment of former governor Sule Lamido, who is being tried for making inciting remarks.

Counsel for the Jigawa State Government, Ikenna Ekpunobi, insisted that Lamido should not be granted bail until investigation was completed.

Emphasising that Lamido was charged with disturbing public peace and inciting public disturbance, Ekpunobi argued that the allegations were contrary to the provisions of the Criminal Code of Jigawa State.

However, Lamido’s counsel, Felix Osimerah, quoting Section 36, sub-section 5 of the 1999 Constitution, argued that Lamido should be presumed innocent even as he stressed that the offences were bailable.

Furthermore, he submitted that granting Lamido bail would avail him the opportunity to prepare his defence.

After listening to both the arguments of the defence and the plaintiff, the Chief Magistrate, Usman Laamin, adjourned hearing till Thursday for further hearing.

Moments after the court proceeding ended, Lamido was driven to Kiyawa prison amidst tight security.