Court acquits Jigawa man of armed robbery charges over lack of evidence
A High Court in Ringim, Jigawa State, has discharged and acquitted one Isah Usman, popularly known as “Niga,” of charges of criminal conspiracy and armed robbery due to insufficient evidence.
Usman had been standing trial for allegedly participating in an armed robbery that occurred on February 2, 2020, at Chaichai Tsohuwa Village in Dutse Local Government Area.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, the presiding judge, Justice Muhammad El-Usman, ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The prosecution did not prove the allegation against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt as provided by law,” Justice El-Usman stated.
He highlighted critical lapses in the case, noting that the prosecution called only one witness and presented no exhibits.
“The evidence of robbery victims is essential for the proper adjudication of such matters,” he added.
Justice El-Usman also stressed the importance of thorough investigations and effective collaboration between security agencies, the Ministry of Justice, and complainants in handling capital offences.
“Courts can only deliver fair and just decisions when presented with solid evidence.
When victims fail to appear in court, it undermines justice and frustrates the judicial process,” the judge said.
Providing further context, Abbas Wangara, Director of Publicity and Protocol at the Jigawa State Judiciary, reiterated that the ruling underscores the challenges facing the justice system.
“In this case, the prosecution’s failure to call key witnesses—including the two alleged victims—meant the court had no choice but to acquit the defendant,” Wangara explained.
He noted that the verdict serves as a reminder of the need for diligent investigations and better cooperation between law enforcement and judicial bodies to ensure justice is served in cases involving serious offences.