The Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has accused a group of Islamic clerics and the Bauchi State House of Assembly of interfering in ongoing judicial proceedings in the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party’s state secretary, Wada Abdullahi, alleged that the Coalition of Bauchi State Islamic Scholars and the state legislature were attempting to politicize court processes involving individuals facing serious allegations. Abdullahi described the actions of the clerics as “baseless” and said they represented “an assault on the judiciary’s independence.”
According to the PRP, religious leaders are expected to uphold fairness and justice, but the clerics have instead engaged in partisan politics by defending suspects and issuing statements deemed unfounded. Abdullahi said this conduct suggested a “desperation” to shield alleged offenders and demonstrated clear partisan inclinations.
The party also criticised the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, accusing him of turning the Assembly into a “rubber stamp” for members of the executive branch facing investigation. The PRP described this alignment as unprecedented and urged the Speaker to fulfill his constitutional responsibilities of oversight and accountability.
Abdullahi further called on the public to resist any attempts to undermine the independence of judicial institutions, stressing that the rule of law must take precedence over personal or political interests. He warned that continued interference by religious or political actors could weaken public confidence in the judiciary and hinder efforts to promote justice in the state.
The PRP’s statement underscores growing concerns over political and religious influence on legal proceedings in Bauchi State.
