By Isiyaka Wunti and Yusuf Muhammad
The legal team of former Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar has defended his recent public statement, insisting that it was made within the constitutional right to freedom of expression while respecting legal provisions that protect the rights of others.
Addressing journalists in Bauchi, the team’s secretary, Muhammad Alkasim said the alleged police complaint filed against the former governor and the APC governorship candidate in the forthcoming 2027 election should be subjected to an impartial investigation stressing that any individual has the right to file a complaint with the appropriate authorities.
The legal team also argued that the reported six-page petition allegedly filed by Barrister Jibrin S. Jibrin was not significant in itself, maintaining that investigators should focus on the substance of the allegations, the supporting evidence, and their legal merit rather than the document’s length.
Counsel further cited provisions of the EFCC Act, stating that the commission has the authority to investigate unexplained wealth independently, while noting that related tax compliance issues could also attract scrutiny under applicable laws.
Responding to allegations of defamation, the team argued that the use of the name “Shehu” alone could not reasonably identify any specific individual, pointing out that the name is common among many Nigerians.
Radio Nigeria learnt that Barrister Jibrin S. Jibrin, who recently interacted with journalists stated that they were directed by the Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba to demand urgent action by the Inspector-General of Police over the alleged statement of the former official within seven days.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to contact Barrister Jibrin S. Jibrin for further clarification and comments were unsuccessful.
