Reported by: Althiea .P | Edited by: Bornet .k
A Kano State High Court has discharged and acquitted Francis Obodu, a man who was standing trial over allegations of armed robbery, conspiracy and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Justice Farida Rabiu-Danbappa, who delivered the judgment on Friday, July 25, 2026, ruled that the prosecution failed to establish the allegations against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt, as required under Nigerian law.
Obodu had faced a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery and unlawful possession of a pistol. The allegations were linked to an incident said to have occurred on May 8, 2022, at Kings Garden, Brigade Quarters, Kano State.
During the trial, prosecution counsel Abdullahi Aminu told the court that Obodu allegedly acted alongside another suspect, identified as Moses Onu, who is currently at large.
Aminu informed the court that at about 7:30 p.m. on the day of the alleged incident, the two men reportedly attacked a shop owner, Jennifer Okoh, at her business premises in Kings Garden, Kano.
The prosecution alleged that the suspects threatened the complainant, putting her in fear for her life, before taking away her mobile phone, valuable belongings and an unspecified amount of money. It was also alleged that they were found in possession of a pistol.
The prosecution argued that the alleged offences violated provisions of Section 97 of the Penal Code, Section 298 of the Penal Code, and Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
To prove its case, the prosecution called one witness before closing its arguments.
However, Obodu denied all allegations against him and maintained his innocence throughout the trial. His defence counsel, Haruna Saleh-Zakariyya, called the defendant to testify in his own defence.
In her judgment, Justice Rabiu-Danbappa held that the evidence presented by the prosecution lacked the necessary elements required to establish the offences.
The judge said the prosecution failed to provide credible evidence directly linking Obodu to the alleged robbery or prove that he was involved in the possession of the firearm.
“The prosecution has failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt,” the judge ruled.
Justice Rabiu-Danbappa subsequently declared Obodu not guilty on all three counts of conspiracy, armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm.
“The defendant, Francis Obodu, is hereby found not guilty of the three-count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery and unlawful possession of gun preferred against him. He is hereby discharged and acquitted,” she stated.
The decision reflects the constitutional principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, with courts required to rely on evidence that meets the legal standard of proof before issuing a conviction.
The acquittal adds to ongoing discussions within Nigeria’s justice system on the importance of credible investigations, proper evidence gathering and ensuring that criminal trials meet the requirements of fair hearing.
While the court cleared Obodu of the allegations, authorities may continue efforts to locate other individuals connected to the case, including the suspect identified as Moses Onu, who remains at large.
The judgment brings an end to the legal proceedings against Obodu, who had spent years defending himself against allegations that the court ultimately found were not proven.
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