Name: Idris Atika Abdullahi
Level:400
Institution: Ahmadu Bello university, Zaria
Clinic:A.B.U Law clinic.
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The NULAI/OSIWA project offered me a great opportunity which I
would have regretted if missed. I have learnt a lot during the course
of this project,starting with the workshop on how to access an online
database, how to interview detainees and lots more. I would like to say a
lot was gained beyond the four walls of classroom.
I
observed the unpleasant situations of the detainees and the immense
flaws in our criminal justice system; chief of which is the undue delay
in administering justice. However,some challenges were faced during the
course of the interview. Some were illiterate and talking to them was a
bit difficult because I had to interviewed two detainees in Hausa
language.some were scared that the legal aid clinic is associated with
the police and not willing to share a story.
On a Monday
morning at around 9:30am, was the visitation the to Kaduna convict
prison with my clinic head,my coordinators and other clinicians. I
always thought that the prison was a home for convict most especially
those guilty of capital offence but I got to find out that some were
actually victims of circumstances. my experience begin with a case:
STATE v BASHIR YAKUBU, who was accused to have raped a girl and was
brutally beaten by mob that suspected him and was taken to najika
teaching hospital here in Zaria. After he regained conscious, he was
forced to plead guilty by the police and was thereafter detained at
samaru division(police station). In the presence of the court, he
pleaded not guilty and insisted that a medical check up be carried on to
ascertain whether he was responsible but the victims mother declined
and insisted that he used stick to defile the girl(raped). Now awaiting
trial. I wonder if one can rape a girl using two measures at the same
time.
The case of;C.O.P v ISHAQ MUHAMMAD and
ors is all about a six years old boy,who was arrested on his way to a
function with some couple of friends whom were able to find their way
living ISHAQ with the police who appeared unexpectedly and got him
arrested and remand in the prison.According to the story narrated by
ISHAQ, Indian hem and other substances were forced into his pocket by
the police before taken to the station.He was charged to court and
sentenced to two and half years imprisonment with an option of 250,000
fine,after he was canned 35lashes.
I wonder how a child of this age who is considered as a minor will face all this trials.
The
case of;C.O.P v ABUBAKAR IBRAHIM, a 38yrs old resident of lukoro
village along Zaria-kano express way.He went to dogarawa in Zaria here
to visit an old friend and was carried away with their discussion not
knowing that is already 8:00pm. He decided to find his way home but
being friends,he insisted he should pass the night at the friend family
house. On their way,they passed by a village an there bike broke down so
they had to use a public motorcycle which again defaulted. In the proof
struggling with the bike,the villagers shouted 'theif,thief', and
ABUBAKAR friend ran away leaving him,who was severely beaten and taken
to the village head's office and later the police station.He was
remanded.
Who is to be blamed? The thought of some individuals are so myopic.
I
learnt and realise that it requires a lot of mindfulness and patience
as well as a realistic dose of professionalism to become a legal
practitioner. I have learnt how to relate with clients without becoming
emotionally burdened, how to channel frustration at an apparent
injustice into a productive force and how it feels to make a difference
in someone's life.
My clients life first; knowing that the
clients life and freedom hangs on the balance. With this, I drop my
pen... and wish to write more when I gather more experience from this
project.....am proud to be part of this.
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