By Prosper Mene
A Shari’ah court in Rigasa, Kaduna, on August 21, 2025, has sentenced businesswoman Maimuna Muhammad to nine months in prison for defrauding her business partners of over ₦500,000.
The court also mandated Muhammad to refund the defrauded amount and pay compensation to her victims, passing a strong message against fraudulent practices in the local business community.
The case originated from a complaint by Malama Hafsat Abdulhamid and Malama Aisha Abdullahi, who accused Muhammad of failing to fulfill business agreements.
Court records reveal that Muhammad, a local trader, collected ₦350,000 from Abdulhamid and ₦150,000 from Abdullahi for goods including rice, beans, bedsheets, and curtains. After receiving the payments, she failed to deliver the items and absconded, prompting the victims to file a case under Shari’ah law for cheating and breach of trust.
During the trial, presided over by Judge Malam Muhammad Lawal, Muhammad admitted her guilt. The prosecution highlighted her intentional deception, noting that her actions violated the trust inherent in business dealings within the community.
Judge Lawal, in his ruling, emphasized that such misconduct erodes economic stability and community cohesion, warranting a firm response. The nine-month prison term, coupled with the order to repay the full ₦500,000 and provide compensation, shows the court’s commitment to upholding justice and ethical standards.
The case highlights the critical role of Shari’ah courts in addressing financial disputes and fostering accountability in Kaduna’s bustling informal markets.Local leaders have also weighed in, with some calling for increased awareness of legal recourse for traders and better oversight of commercial transactions
