The National Forum of Kano Indigene Lawyers has filed a petition with the Kano State Ministry of Justice, urging the reopening of investigations into Hon. Alasan Ado Doguwa and others over alleged killings during the 2023 general elections.
The petition, dated September 11, 2025, was received by the office of the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ali Umar Deideiri, according to an official stamp on the first page.
According to the forum, the elections in the Tudun Wada/Doguwa Federal Constituency left “several lives lost in violent circumstances,” with “multiple witnesses and families of victims alleging the direct involvement of Hon. Alasan Ado Doguwa.”
The lawyers argue that investigations were “abruptly abandoned, reportedly on account of political pressure.”
Lawyers cite constitutional and legal obligations
The forum described the suspension of the case as “unconstitutional and unlawful,” citing Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which, they noted, “imposes a clear duty on the state to investigate and prosecute unlawful killings.”
They further pointed out that the Kano Penal Code criminalizes homicide, while the Electoral Act 2022 criminalizes electoral violence.
According to the petition, the Attorney General’s office carries “the exclusive authority and duty to institute, undertake, and continue criminal proceedings in the interest of justice” under Section 211 of the Constitution.
Religious principles invoked in petition
The petition also leaned on religious values, noting that “Islam—the foundation of morality for the majority of our people—recognizes the sanctity of life.” It quoted the Qur’an: “Whoever kills a soul… it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves one—it is as if he has saved all mankind” (Qur’an 5:32).
On this basis, the lawyers insisted that the Attorney General’s office “bears both a legal and moral trust before the people and before Allah.”
Four prayers laid before the Attorney General
In its “Humble Prayer,” the group listed four demands:
“Reopen and continue the investigation into the killings linked to the 2023 General Elections in Tudun Wada/Doguwa Constituency.”
“Direct law enforcement agencies to conduct an impartial and thorough investigation without political interference.”
“Initiate proper prosecution against Hon. Alasan Ado Doguwa and any other individuals found culpable by evidence.”
“Ensure that justice is delivered to the victims and their families.”
The petition ended with a warning that “justice delayed is justice denied,” urging the Attorney General to act without delay. It was signed by Dr. Jafar Sadiq, on behalf of the National Forum of Kano Indigene Lawyers.
