Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
Defence lawyers representing Engr Soffiyanu Bala, a factional chairman of the African Democratic Congress in Kebbi State, walked out of a Chief Magistrate Court in Birnin Kebbi on Friday after accusing the presiding magistrate of bias.
The incident happened during Bala’s trial before Magistrate Abubakar Abdullahi Koko of Chief Magistrate Court 1. Bala is facing allegations of disobedience of a court order and incitement. Police prosecutor Inspector Muntari Mati told the court the allegations were contrary to Section 116 of the Nigerian Constitution.
During the morning session, Bala’s counsel, Ahmad Fingilla, informed the court that the defence had filed a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the case and the jurisdiction of the court. Fingilla argued that the objection should be determined before the defendant’s plea was taken.
The prosecution was later taken over by Senior State Counsel Hanafi DanMaigoro from the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice, who relied on Section 211 of the Constitution and Section 121(a) of the Kebbi State Administration of Criminal Justice Law. The magistrate granted the request after the defence raised no objection.
After an adjournment for Jumu’ah prayers, the court resumed around 5:30 p.m. Magistrate Koko ruled that the defence’s preliminary objection would be heard after Bala entered his plea. Fingilla rejected the ruling and asked the magistrate to recuse himself, alleging that the court had shown bias and had a personal interest in the matter.
DanMaigoro opposed the application, arguing that the defence had not provided a valid basis to show that the court would not be fair. Magistrate Koko denied the allegation of bias and directed proceedings to continue.
Fingilla and other defence lawyers, identified as Mudasir Sani, Muhammed Usman, and Nura Lawal, then walked out of the courtroom despite the magistrate’s order that they remain seated. Fingilla said he would withdraw if the magistrate refused to recuse himself.
After the defence lawyers left, the charges were read to Bala. He pleaded not guilty to all counts. The prosecution then requested an adjournment to study the police file and the defence’s preliminary objection.
The case was adjourned to Tuesday, April 28, 2026, for further hearing.
The dispute is linked to internal conflict within the ADC in Kebbi State. Reports said Bala was taken to court following a complaint by Abdulrazak Abubakar, also described as a factional chairman of the party, over alleged disobedience of a court order and incitement.
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