Defamation
By Aminu Garko
Kano, A Kano court has ordered a full-scale investigation into allegations of criminal defamation brought against Jafar Jafar, the publisher of Daily Nigerian, and one Audu Umar, a reporter with the publication.
The Director-Genera,l Directorate of Protocol, Kano Government House, Abdullahi Rogo, filed the complaint.
The complaint was filed pursuant to sections 106 and 107 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Kano State 2019, and sections 114, 164, and 393 of the Penal Code Law of Kano State.
The Chief Magistrate Court No. 15, presided over by Malam Abdul’aziz M. Habib, directed the Assistant Inspector0General of Police, Zone One, Kano, to commence a full-scale investigation into the alleged criminal defamation.
In one of its publication, the online medium run by Jafar Jafar allegedly described him as a “thieving aide” to the Kano State Governor.
The defendants are accused of publishing false statements that tarnished the reputation of Hon. Rogo and Gove. Abba Yusuf.
The publication on its Aug. 25 edition report with the headline: “Gov. Yusuf Defends Thieving Aide”, alleged reckless expenditure by the Protocol Directorate, including 6.5 billion naira alleged traced to the D-G.
The defendants face two-count charges bordering on criminal defamation and breach of public peace.
The investigation aims to determine whether the defendants willfully and maliciously published the alleged defamatory statements.
