In a development that has drawn public attention, the Federal High Court in Kano has confirmed that the Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Ibrahim Namadi, has officially stood as surety for an alleged drug trafficker, Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu, who is currently facing prosecution for offenses related to illicit drug trafficking.

The case, marked Charge No: FHC/KN/CR/93/2025, pits the Federal Republic of Nigeria against Sulaiman Aminu. On July 17, 2025, the court granted bail to the defendant in the sum of ₦3,000,000 with one surety in the like sum. The court also mandated that the surety must be a serving commissioner and a member of the Kano State Executive Council.

In addition to the bail condition, the court directed that the defendant must make a deposit of ₦5,000,000 to the Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR), to be placed in an interest-yielding account.

Documents obtained from the court show that Commissioner Ibrahim Namadi fulfilled these bail conditions. In an affidavit of means sworn before the court on July 18, 2025, Namadi declared:

“I am a current serving Commissioner and a member of the Kano State Executive Council working with the Kano State Ministry of Transport. I am here to stand as surety for the defendant. I undertake to abide by the bail conditions and promise to produce the defendant on adjournment date(s) until the case is finally disposed of.”

The commissioner also submitted a formal application addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar, reaffirming his commitment to fulfill all bail obligations and ensure the presence of the defendant in court.

A court filing titled “Notification for Fulfilment of Bail Conditions” confirmed the submission of all required documents, including:

  • Application to stand as surety

  • Affidavit of means

  • ₦5,000,000 refundable deposit

  • Two passport photographs each of the surety and the defendant

Court officials subsequently certified that all bail conditions had been met, pending the judge's final approval.

NDLEA Confirms Drug Trafficking Allegations

According to a statement released in May by Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, Public Relations Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Command, the accused—Sulaiman Aminu—was apprehended by the Nigeria Police Force during a raid at his residence and handed over to the NDLEA for thorough investigation and prosecution.

The statement described Aminu as a "notorious and longstanding figure in the illicit drug trade" with alleged ties to criminal networks that have contributed to substance abuse and insecurity across Kano and neighboring states.

Further operations reportedly led to the recovery of additional illicit substances, reinforcing the case against the accused.

NDLEA emphasized that the suspect’s arraignment signifies a step forward in the agency’s mission to combat drug-related crimes and protect communities from the dangers of narcotics.

While the court granted bail, the judge also ordered that the suspect be remanded in a correctional facility until the next hearing.

Ongoing Public Reaction

The involvement of a serving state commissioner in standing surety for a high-profile drug trafficking suspect has sparked debate across legal and political circles. While legal experts argue that fulfilling bail conditions is within constitutional rights, civil society groups are questioning the optics and implications for public trust in governance.

The case continues as the judiciary weighs the evidence and arguments presented by both the prosecution and defense.