NBA condemns Kano commissioner for standing surety for ‘notorious drug dealer’

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kano Branch, has questioned the competence and integrity of the Kano State Commissioner for Transport after he stood as surety for a suspected a notorious suspected drug dealer, Suleiman Danwawu, currently facing trial at a Federal High Court.

“If a commissioner and member of a state cabinet can stand as a surety and file an affidavit of means after a bail application without knowledge of the nature of the charge, then the commissioner is highly reckless and grossly incompetent to hold the position,” the statement read in part.

The association described the commissioner’s explanation as troubling and unsatisfactory, insisting that it raises “more questions than answers.”

This was contained in a statement signed by the branch chairman, Usman Umar Fari, on Friday.

Recalls that the commissioner had claimed he was unaware of the charges against the defendant and was persuaded by unnamed “important personalities” to stand as surety.

SolaceBase had reported that the commissioner, Ibrahim Namadi on Friday wrote to the court announcing his withdrawal as surety to the suspect, citing personal reasons, along with the need to protect his integrity and uphold the dignity of his office as a public official.

However, the NBA strongly condemned the act, describing it as reckless and unbecoming of a serving cabinet member.

Read Also:Kano: Commissioner withdraws suretyship for notorious drug suspect, Danwawu

“If a commissioner and member of a state cabinet can stand as a surety and file an affidavit of means after a bail application without knowledge of the nature of the charge, then the commissioner is highly reckless and grossly incompetent to hold the position,” the statement read in part.

The NBA demanded full disclosure of the identities of the individuals who allegedly influenced the commissioner’s action, asking whether they belong to government circles, the business community, or the traditional institution.

The association urged the commissioner to name those involved and clarify his relationship, if any, with the defendant.

The association further called on the Kano State Government to state its official position on the matter and ensure that only competent individuals with integrity are appointed to public office.

Additionally, the NBA urged security and law enforcement agencies to broaden their investigation by inviting the commissioner for questioning and probing the involvement of the so-called “important personalities” in the suspected drug trafficking case.

“We await positive responses from those that matter,” the statement concluded.