Jigawa NBA lauds acquittal of Al-Mustafa, Shofolahan

Mr Adamu Turaki, the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Jigawa chapter, on Saturday commended the Lagos Court of Appeal for acquitting Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha and Alhaji Lateef Shofolahan.

The duo were discharged and acquitted over the alleged murder of Kudirat Abiola, the wife of late business mogul and politician, Chief Moshood Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the 1993 annulled general elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Al-Mustapha, the Chief Security Officer to late Gen. Sanni Abacha; and Shofolahan, Kudirat's Personal Aide, had faced trial since 1998.

A High Court in Lagos had sentenced the duo to death over the murder but the Appeal Court nullified the judgment in its ruling on July 12.

Turaki told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse that the judgment was commendable.

According to Turaki, the judgment will repose more confidence in the judiciary, considering the length of time spent on the trial.

“I wish to commend the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division,  presided over by Justice Amina Augie, for handling down a well considered judgment.

'The 14 years spent on the trial of Al-Mustafa and one other (Shofolahan) underscores the need to review Nigerian criminal justice system to ensure quick dispensation of trials,” Turaki said.

The chairman expressed the hope that the Nigerian judiciary would continue to dispense justice fairly and in accordance with the law. (NAN)