Magistrate withdraws from ex-Kano council boss’s drug case

A Chief Magistrate in Kano State has withdrawn from the trial of former Rogo Local Government Area chairman, Yahuza Musa, following an alleged threat to her life.

The magistrate announced her recusal on Wednesday when the case came up for continuation of prosecution. The prosecution was scheduled to call two more witnesses.

Three prosecution witnesses had earlier testified during the September 2, 2026, sitting.

The development reportedly followed an allegation that one of Musa’s biological sons visited the magistrate’s residential area and questioned her children about their father’s usual time of returning home.

The son was also alleged to have asked for the location of the magistrate’s parents’ residence and issued a threat against her.

The magistrate, whose name was withheld, subsequently forwarded the case file to the Chief Registrar, Malam Hussani Hassan, for reassignment.

Musa was later remanded at a correctional facility pending the redirection of the case.

Sources said the Chief Registrar had taken custody of the file and was expected to forward it to the Chief Judge for assignment to another court.

The case concerns allegations that Musa illegally sold and administered fentanyl injections to young people.

The chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, had said the investigation began after the commission arrested a young man whose hand allegedly suffered severe deterioration following injections.

Rimingado alleged that the young man identified Musa as the person from whom he obtained the substance.

He said the allegation led to an undercover operation that resulted in Musa’s arrest.

The commission also alleged that Musa operated an improperly licensed medical facility and failed to produce a valid nursing licence when requested.

Musa was subsequently charged under Section 249 of the Penal Code of Kano State over the alleged administration of harmful or intoxicating substances.