Tagoje Files Appeal Against Chairman Sabon-Gari Timber Dealers Over Criminal Intimidation, Defamation

By Mu’azu Abubakar Albarkawa, Kaduna

The legal tussle between a Zaria businessman Alhaji Shehu Tagoje and Alin Ashiru Chairman Timber Dealers Association Sabon-Gari Zaria has been shifted to the Kaduna State High Court.

The complainant Alhaji Shehu Tagoje told Journalists in Zaria that he was dissatisfied with the judgment of Chief Magistrates’ Court Zaria delivered in the case on June 23.

Tagoje said he has directed his counsel Messr. A.U.Hajj and Associates to study the judgment and file an appeal before the High Court stressing that he would take the necessary legal procedures to claim his right against Alin Ashiru.

It could be recalled that on Jan. 2, 2020 Tagoje approached Chief Magistrates’ Court Kofar Fada Zaria via a Direct Complaint which was hinged on Criminal intimidation, Defamation, use of abusive and offensive language and inciting public disturbance.

Tagoje said the offences contravene sections 377, 372, 379, and 78 of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna state.

The statement of complaint disclosed that Alin Ashiru had called a meeting on Dec. 28, 2019 where he informed members in attendance that the complainant is an enemy of the market and those carrying business in the market.

The complainant added that the defendant mentioned his name as hypocrite, trouble maker nuisance and enemy of the market and those carrying business in the market.

He added that the comment had put him into a consistent fear that harm may be meted on him by the defendant’s supporters.

Tagoje said the comment had also resulted into chaos and disagreement among various factions in the association and violation of public peace to the extent that police had to intervene to restore normalcy.

The defendant (Alin Ashiru) denied the allegations and entered his defense after he was overruled on his no case submission.

The Presiding Magistrate Mr Abdullahi Maigamo, in his judgment, said none of the four witnesses called by the complainant proved the offences beyond reasonable doubt as provided under section 139 of the Evidence Act 2011.

He, therefore, discharges and acquits the defendant.