By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
A Magistrate Court sitting in Sokoto presided by Chief Magistrate Shu’aibu Ahmad on Tuesday sentenced
Aminu Hayatau Tafida, son of the Special Adviser on Social Investments to governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and two others to a four years and six months imprisonment respectively with an option of fine of 400,000 naira each including compensation for alleged circulation of an 18 seconds nude video, criminal conspiracy, abetment, sales and printing of obscene book.
Two others sentenced along the Special Adviser’s son include, Umar Abubakar and Masaud Abubakar Gidado.
While delivering judgment in the case which was characterised by series of adjournments, Magistrate Shu’aibu said the prosecuting counsel has proven his case beyond any reasonable doubts and as such the three accused persons are therefore convicted for the very offenses put forward before them.
Citing Section 209 ACJN of Sokoto 2019, Shu’aibu however gave opportunity to Counsels to the defendants to make any other submission before reading his sentences.
Sequel to that, Counsels to all the defendants separately but unanimously said they had no intention invite any other witness, pleading that justice should be tempered with mercy on the grounds that all the defendants were youths who have future before them and first time offenders, hence the need to consider option of fine as well.
“We are appealing to this honourable Court to show liniency in its sentence, more so , that the defendants have all shown remorsefulness over their actions. We are therefore, appealing that other options should also be considered as sentencing convicts is no longer a fashion this time around. And if in the case this Court so wish to sentence them, the Court should be liberal taking into cognisance, the economic hardship being faced this time around. Your worship sir, we so appealed'”.
In his sentence, the Presiding Magistrate, Shuaibu Ahmad said he had taken into consideration that the defendants were first time offenders, he will therefore be linient but gives maximum sentence.
Magisrate Shu’aibu said, for the offences of indecent act which goes contrary to Section 171 of Sokoto State Penal Code the defendants are sentenced to pay a fine of two hundred thousand naira (200,000) each which default will lead to 2 years imprisonment.
He said for the offence of sharing and sales of obscene book, the defendants are sentenced to pay 50,000 each for which defiant will lead to 2 years imprisonment.
Magistrate Shu’aibu further said for the offence of abatement, Section 48 of the Sokoto Penal Code provides 50,000 naira or conviction for 6 months in the case of defiant.
The Chief Magistrate also said each of the defendants is to pay hundred thousand naira (100,000) compensation to the complainant.
Meanwhile, in their reactions o he judgement, the prosecutor, ASP Simon Sule and the complainant, expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
According to them, the pronouncements will serve as deterrent to others.
