Court adjourns hearing on alleged kidnapping by cousin in Kaduna

Court has adjourned hearing in the trial of Abubakar Haliru, accused of kidnapping his cousin, Hajiya Binta Mohammed, in Kaduna State.

At the resumed hearing of the case Monday, the Prosecution Counsel, Jummai Dan-Azumi, said the prosecution had three witnesses to call, while the defence counsel, Isa Shuaibu, also affirmed that he was ready.

However, the presiding judge, Dabo, said he could not take the witnesses as the case was slated for mention not hearing.

Dabo recalled at the last adjourned date, February 21, the counsel were not in court to continue with the hearing, adding his court maintained proper case management.

The judge said he adjourned the matter to February 28, Monday, for further mention and rescheduled hearing.

Haliru’s alleged offence is contrary to the provisions of Section 246 of the Penal Code Laws of Kaduna State.

Recall that that on Januray 24 and 25, the victim, Mohammed, while testifying as prosecution witness number one, alleged that her cousin, the defendant, masterminded her kidnap.

She recalled on August 10, 2021, the defendant called her and requested her to accompany him to Dan Magaji, Zaria, to see one Alhaji Salisu in respect of the money for her tricycle business.

According to her, Haliru then handed her over to kidnappers where she spent eight weeks in captivity

She claimed the kidnappers collected N5.5 million, N70, 000 worth of recharge cards and two mobile phones before she regained her freedom.

Justice Dabo in the end, adjouned hearing until March 21, 2022.