Katsina SGS vs Whistle-blower: Court dismiss Mahadi’s appeal for lack of merit

Justice Abbas Bawale of the Katsina State High Court on Monday dismissed the appeal presented by Mahadi Shehu to halt his arrest and prosecution for alleged defamation and character assasination of the Secretary to State Government, Mustapha Inuwa for lack of merit.

Mahadi Shehu, a whistle blower, filed the suit following an order from the Islamic Sharia Court to arrest and prosecute him for alleged defamation against Dr Mustapha Inuwa.

The call for his arrest followed his refusal to appear before the Islamic Court without his counsel informing the court of his absence.

On the implication of the judgement while speaking to the press, the Counsel to the SGS, Abubakar Sahu Ibrahim said “the decision of the lower court was upheld as the six grounds of appeal were all dismissed for lack of merit.

In other words, it means the decision of the lower court stands and trial should continue from where it stopped. That’s the implication of the judgement.”

According to him, “the judgement delivered encompasses everything that was argued. All authorities cited were considered by the appellant court and all our submissions were also considered. Each of the ground argued and a decision on it was given.”

When approached for comment on the ruling, the counsel to the appellant, AA Machika, represented by S. Hamisu declined comment saying he only stood in for the appellant counsel and therefore cannot speak for him.