The release of the controversial Tik-toker, Murja Kunya, has sent tongues wagging among residents of Kano with many questioning the action after a court order had remanded her in a correctional facility.
According to the spokesman of the Correctional Centre in Kano, Misbahu Lawal Kofar Nasarawa, Kunya was released from the Kurmawa Correctional facility following an order by a Sharia Court judge, who was the same judge that earlier ordered her remand.
Kunya was remanded by a Shari’ah Court sitting at Gama PRP area of Kano metropolis after her arrest by Kano State Hisbah Board following complaints received from her neighbours over her alleged immoral behaviour that was liable to corrupt the morals of the neighbourhood and incite disturbance.
Upon arraignment before the court, she was accused of constituting herself into a public nuisance, indecency, and attempting to recruit young girls into prostitution.
She pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The judge consequently ordered her remand until February 21, 2024, for ruling on her bail application. However, the same judge was said to have sent another order for her release.
“Correctional facility is bound by rules and it operates like a bank. A paper (documents) brings you in and the same paper takes you out. If there are omissions, it won’t even be accepted.
“We have the signatures of all judges in the state. A judge must sign for you to be admitted and likewise when you are to be freed.
“No one escapes from prison. If you climb the fence in an attempt to escape you are liable to be shot. We have several gates to be passed manned by security before you go out.
“It’s surprising to say she escaped. A court order brought her and the same court order took Murja Kunya out.”
The spokesman of the court, Muzammil Ibrahim Ado Fagge, had earlier said they have no idea of the development as, according to him, Murja was under remand.
“We also heard that she has been freed from the facility. The Judge rules that he will decide whether to grant her bail or not on the 21st of February.
“We don’t know what happened. What happened in the court cannot be changed, especially in the case of this girl which was not the first time. She was at an Upper Shari’ah Court at Filin Hockey on the same issues.
“What we know is that Murja is in prison but I am not surprised she was granted bail.”
But in a statement issued by Ado Fagge later, he said the state counsel requested for her release under their care for further investigation.
The whereabouts of Murja still remain unknown since her alleged release.
Kunya’s release illegal – Barr Hikima
Reacting to the release of Kunya, a Kano-based legal practitioner, Barrister Abba Hikima Fagge, said there are strong allegations of breach of the law over her release from a correctional facility.
“Normally, if a judge orders for one’s remand like this to a fixed date to determine bail, there’s nothing one can do except in the case of health conditions or other emergency that is so important. It is permissible to seek for abridgment of time from the judge to reduce the time limit and that too has to be in an open court.
“It has to be in front of the public and the prosecutors and the defence counsel will pray the court and the bail application be granted or otherwise. If this process isn’t followed nobody can release anyone remanded by a judge.
“From what we are seeing so far, all these things did not take place and we can say there is a serious breach of the law.”
Special treatment accorded to Kunya – Residents allege
Residents are also commenting on the incident with many saying that Murja was given special treatment because of alleged closeness to those in power.
Some are reading political undertones to the release.
A resident, Mustapha Abdullahi said: “She belongs to the ruling party in the state and she has openly shown that to the world.
“Secondly, we all saw the calibre of people who went to the court when she was arraigned. So, it’s not surprising if there is a political undertone being played.”
Also speaking, a businessman, Mu’azu Rabiu said, “If the state government, which many are looking up to, does not do something about this, it is not going to be good for its image.
“The images of the government and the judiciary are both at stake courtesy of one person’s ordeals. We need to open our eyes and see the gravity of this whole issue as the world is looking at us.”
Daurawa still in charge – Hisbah
The Kano State Hisbah Board has dismissed reports that its Commander-General, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, has resigned over the release of Murja Kunya.
In the wake of the incident, there were rumours on Monday, especially on social media that Daurawa had resigned.
However, in a swift reaction, the Deputy Commander-General, DCG, of the Hisbah, Mujahid Aminundeen, debunked the reports.
“I want to reiterate to our people that Al-Sheikh, Al-Imam Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa is still the Commander-General of the Hisbah Board. He has not resigned. He is still in charge. Probably, some elements want to use the rumour to do something cynical.
“He is still in his position and has continued to carry out his duties,” he said.
Kano Gov’t will not interfere with judicial process
Meanwhile, the state government has dissociated itself from alleged interference in the case.
A statement by the Commissioner of Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye said, “The attention of Kano State Government has been drawn to false accusation going round on mainstream and especially on social media platforms against the administration regarding alleged release from a correctional facility of one Murja Ibrahim Kunya, a renowned TikToker, who is standing trial for allegation of sharing inappropriate video content contrary to provisions of relevant laws in the state.
“This insinuation and allegation are totally unfounded, untrue, mischievous, lacking in any substance and a figment of the imagination of some misguided and disgruntled elements that are bent on tarnishing the good image of the administration and personality of the state Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“The state government is quite aware of the constitutional provisions for separation of powers and demarcation of responsibilities between the judiciary, legislature and the executive as the three arms of government and will never do anything or engage in any act that will jeopardize or undermine this noble provision.’’
He said the government is aware that the issue is purely legal and within the purview of the judiciary and will not interfere in any way to influence its fair and just outcome.
“Let it be on record that to the knowledge of the government, the said Murja Kunya was arraigned before an Upper Shari’ah Court at Kwanar Hudu in Nassarawa Local Government Area on allegation of sharing vulgar video content on social media platform following which the court ordered her remand in a correctional centre and adjourned to Tuesday, 20th February 2023 after hearing an application for her bail.
“It however came to the attention of the government that there was a fresh allegation against her which necessitated her being taken out for investigation by security agencies. Her case is still subsisting and will continue up to its final determination by the court.”
The statement further urged the general public to disregard the mischievous allegation against the state government as nothing but a misguided attempt to tarnish its good image and reputation.
He said the government will continue to respect and uphold the sanctity of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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