A Chief Magistrate Court No. 9, presided over by Magistrate Haulat Magaji Kankarofi, has fixed February 10 to deliver its ruling on a bail review application in a case involving the alleged diversion of inheritance funds amounting to N30 million.
The defendant, Sadik Muhammad Sadik, a court clerk, was arraigned by the police on allegations of misappropriating inheritance proceeds while serving as accounts clerk at the Goron Dutse Sharia Court.
According to the prosecution, Sadik allegedly diverted funds entrusted to him during his official duties. When the charge was read to him earlier, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
At the initial sitting, the defence counsel applied for bail, which the court granted under stringent conditions, ordering the defendant to deposit N20 million and provide a traditional ruler as surety.
However, at the resumed hearing on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, counsel to the defendant informed the court that the bail conditions were too onerous and requested a downward review.
“We are unable to meet the bail conditions as earlier ordered and respectfully urge the court to exercise its discretion to relax them,” the defence counsel told the court.
The application was strongly opposed by the prosecution, which urged the court to maintain the original terms, citing the seriousness of the offence and the amount involved.
After listening to arguments from both sides, Magistrate Kankarofi adjourned the matter to February 10 for ruling on whether the bail conditions would be reviewed.
“The court will study the submissions of counsel and communicate its position on the next adjourned date,” the magistrate said.
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