By Abdullateef Bambgose
Barrister Saadatu Mohammad, counsel to Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, Director General of Protocol to the Kano State Government, has condemned the media trial of her client over corruption allegations.
According to Barrister Mohammad, the media coverage of Rogo’s case has been reckless and sensational, breaching the fundamental right to presumption of innocence enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
The lawyer specifically pointed to a headline run by Daily Nigerian, “Gov. Yusuf defends thieving aide, says protocol directorate under Ganduje spent N20 billion in 3 months.” Barrister Mohammad argued that this headline not only amounts to a conviction without trial but also undermines the principles of justice and fairness. She lamented that such reporting substitutes sensationalism for substance and tramples on constitutional safeguards designed to protect individuals from unjust treatment.
Barrister Mohammad cited Section 36(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which unequivocally states that every person charged with a criminal offense shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty. She emphasized that this constitutional provision is not merely decorative but is a bedrock of justice, fairness, and democracy in the country. According to her, the media’s failure to adhere to this principle is a grave concern that threatens the integrity of the justice system.
The lawyer also highlighted the human cost of such media recklessness. She noted that behind every reckless headline is a human being with a family, friends, and colleagues who bear the weight of stigma and reputational damage. Abdullahi Rogo, she pointed out, has spent decades building his reputation through dedicated public service and humanitarian work. She alleged that unscrupulous journalism now seeks to strip him of all he has worked for, without evidence or due process.
Barrister Mohammad stressed that no court of law has found Rogo guilty of corruption. She referenced a clarification made by a senior ICPC director, which indicated that the widely circulated figure of N6.5 billion related to legitimate cash inflows linked to protocol operations, not stolen sums. Furthermore, she mentioned that the High Court of Kano State has ruled in Rogo’s favor, affirming that there is no basis for the ICPC to harass or intimidate him since no evidence links him to corruption.
The lawyer called on the media to adhere to the ethics and principles of journalism, emphasizing objectivity, fairness, and the defense of truth and justice. She warned that when journalists abandon these principles, they cease to be guardians of society’s conscience and become participants in the very corruption they claim to expose. Barrister Mohammad urged the media to recognize the solemn duty to inform, not misinform, and to respect the constitutional rights of individuals.
In light of the media’s alleged misconduct, Rogo has taken legal action against Daily Nigerian. Barrister Mohammad described this move as not just about clearing Rogo’s name but also about drawing a line in the sand to protect the principles of justice and fairness for all Nigerians. She emphasized that until a court of law finds Rogo guilty, the headlines should reflect the truth: that he stands unconvicted, untainted by evidence, and undeserving of reckless condemnation.
