FREDERICK OZIAKPONO OHO, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the ruling of the High Court of Sokoto State sitting at Sokoto Coram: ABBAS BELLO, J. delivered on the 29th day of June, 2017 wherein the Court discharged the Respondents of the charges against them in case no. SS/33C/2009 on grounds that they have been granted unconditional pardon by the Governor of Sokoto, Rt. Hon. AMINU WAZIRI TAMBUWAL CFR pursuant to an instrument of pardon dated 29th day of September, 2016 (i.e. Exhibit A).
The Respondents alongside others were standing trial before the Court by virtue of a one hundred and forty-four count Amended Charge dated 11th day of January, 2010 for sundry offences including conspiracy, breach of trust, receiving stolen property, all punishable under the Penal Code applicable in Sokoto State of Nigeria. The 1st Respondent was charged in 112 counts; while the 2nd Respondent was charge in counts 13 to 138, 141-143. (See pages 7-81 of the Record of App…