Suspect Demands Niger Judge And Registrar As Witnesses In Court Drama

Suspect Demands Niger Judge And Registrar As Witnesses In Court Drama

A surprising turn of events unfolded in a Niger State court when a suspect requested the trial judge and court registrar to testify as witnesses in his case…… CONTINUE READING 

Murtala Musa, a petroleum marketer, is on trial at Chief Magistrate Court 2 in Minna. He has applied for subpoenas compelling Justice Mariya Ismail of the state High Court 3 and the court registrar to provide testimony and essential documents for the case’s proceedings.

Musa faces three charges: contempt of court, criminal intimidation, resisting arrest, and assault, under sections 397, 152, 171, and 265 of the penal code.

Through his lawyer, D. Tahimber, Musa invoked section 84(2) of the Evidence Act 2011 to support his request for the judicial officers to appear in court.

Tahimber argued that since the case involves alleged contempt committed in High Court 3, Magistrate Fati Umar Hassan has the authority to ensure the accused has access to necessary documents for his defense.

He stated, “It is crucial for the High Court Judge to appear in magistrate court and for her registrar to produce signed records of the proceedings from NSHC/266/2016 dated 22/4/2024.”

Additionally, the defense requested CCTV footage from the High Court proceedings on the same date, along with details about the police orderly assigned to Justice Mariya and the court’s cause list.

Tahimber further urged Justice Ismail to testify regarding her decision to provide water to the defendant during the April 22 sitting.

Following this application, Magistrate Fati Umar Hassan adjourned the case to July 16, 2024, while also deferring her ruling on the bail application for the defendant and ordering his remand in custody.