The Upper Shari’a Court in Bauchi has reissued an arrest warrant for Chief Imam Idris Abdul’azeez Dutsen Tanshi after he failed to appear in court on January 17, 2023.
Presiding Judge Malam Hussaini A. Turaki rejected the defense counsel’s suggestion to consider the Court of Appeal’s order in Jos.
Abdul’aziz is facing trial over alleged incitement of public disturbance of peace and blasphemy following a petition against him to the police.
During a Ramadan Tafsir session, it was alleged that the Imam made blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) and some notable Dariqa clerics.
Despite the earlier grant of bail, the presiding judge insisted that the accused person must appear in court as it is a criminal case.
The plaintiff’s counsel, UB Umar, explained that despite numerous attempts to summon the defendant, including public announcements and substitute service, he had refused to appear.
On the defense side, Ahmad M Umar argued that the court should respect the Court of Appeal’s previous order and highlighted errors in the revocation of bail.
The case has been adjourned until January 24, 2024, for the continuation of the hearing, with the accused person required to be present in court. An arrest warrant has been issued accordingly.
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