The Federal High Court sitting in Kano has confirmed that the Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Ibrahim Namadi , has officially stoo...
The Federal High Court sitting in Kano has confirmed that the Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Ibrahim Namadi, has officially stood as surety for an alleged drug trafficker, Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu, currently facing trial on drug-related charges.
The case, registered as Charge No: FHC/KN/CR/93/2025, involves the Federal Republic of Nigeria versus Sulaiman Aminu. On July 17, 2025, the court granted bail to the defendant in the sum of ₦3,000,000, with the requirement that one surety—a serving commissioner and member of the Kano State Executive Council—must guarantee the defendant’s appearance in court.
In addition, the court directed the defendant to deposit ₦5,000,000 with the Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR), to be placed in an interest-yielding account.
Commissioner Declares Support Under Oath
On July 18, 2025, Ibrahim Namadi fulfilled the bail conditions and submitted an affidavit of means declaring:
“I am a current serving Commissioner and a member of the Kano State Executive Council working with the Kano State Ministry of Transport. I am here to stand as surety for the defendant. I undertake to abide by the bail conditions and promise to produce the defendant on adjournment date(s) until the case is finally disposed of.”
Namadi also submitted a formal application to the Deputy Chief Registrar, reaffirming his commitment to all bail responsibilities.
Court documents titled “Notification for Fulfilment of Bail Conditions” confirmed the submission of all required documents, including:
Application to stand as surety
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Affidavit of means
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₦5,000,000 refundable deposit
Two passport photographs each of the surety and defendant
Court officers certified that all bail conditions had been met and forwarded the file to the presiding judge for final approval.
NDLEA Confirms Drug Charges
According to a May 2025 statement by Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, Public Relations Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Command, the defendant was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force during a raid and later handed over to the NDLEA.
The agency described Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu as:
“A notorious and longstanding figure in the illicit drug trade, with ties to criminal networks contributing to substance abuse and insecurity across Kano and neighboring states.”
Further investigations reportedly led to the recovery of additional illicit substances, strengthening the case against the accused.
Maigatari added that the arraignment was part of the NDLEA’s larger strategy to dismantle drug distribution networks and protect Nigerian communities from narcotics-related harm.
While bail was granted, the judge ruled that the suspect should remain in a correctional facility until the next court hearing.
Public Reactions Stirred
The involvement of a serving commissioner in securing bail for a high-profile drug suspect has generated mixed reactions from the public, legal professionals, and civil society groups.
Legal analyst Barr. Uche Nwosu told NewsGrid:
“Under Nigerian law, anyone can stand surety as long as they meet the court’s conditions. However, the optics are troubling, especially when the surety is a government official and the accused faces serious charges.”
Meanwhile, civil rights organizations have raised concerns over conflict of interest, accountability, and the message such an act sends about leadership integrity.
As the case proceeds, all eyes remain on the judiciary, which must weigh the evidence, ensure due process, and uphold the rule of law.
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