Tambuwal sues Sokoto over withheld tenure inquiry report

File Photo: Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal

Former Sokoto State Governor and senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District, Aminu Tambuwal, has dragged the Sokoto State Government before the state High Court over the alleged refusal to release the report of the judicial commission of inquiry that investigated his administration.

Tambuwal, who governed the state between 2015 and 2023, is asking the court to compel the government to release the full report of the commission, which was established by Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration to investigate the activities, financial transactions and other matters relating to his eight-year tenure.

The suit, marked SS/133/2026, was filed before Justice Mohammed Mohammed of the Sokoto State High Court 6 through Tambuwal’s counsel, U.O. Sule (SAN).

Joined as defendants are Governor Aliyu, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and the Sokoto State Commission of Inquiry.

The commission, chaired by a former Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Mu’azu Pindiga, conducted hearings into the affairs of the Tambuwal administration before submitting its report to the state government.

Tambuwal, however, alleged that the government had refused to make the report available to him despite his participation in the proceedings.

In his originating summons, he asked the court to compel the defendants to release the complete report, arguing that he was entitled to know the findings and recommendations arising from an inquiry in which he participated.

Tambuwal argued that “having submitted himself to the inquiry and participated in the process, he is entitled as a matter of law and natural justice to know the outcome of the proceedings.”

• 2027: INEC displays voter register, begins PVC distribution
• 2027: Police, INEC partner to boost election security in Sokoto
• Terrorists kill two soldiers, Chinese national in Kebbi attack

He further maintained that access to the report was necessary to enable him to respond appropriately to any adverse findings.

According to him, “access to the report is necessary for him to prepare his response and exercise his constitutional right to fair hearing, should there be any adverse findings.”

The former governor is also asking the court to determine whether the defendants can lawfully withhold the report from him after the conclusion of the commission’s proceedings.

The case has consequently brought the lingering controversy over the report before the judiciary, with Tambuwal seeking judicial intervention over what he described as the continued withholding of the document.

The court has fixed November 9, 2026, for hearing of the suit.