Thirteen (13) individuals alleged to have participated in the killing of the village head of Lammbata, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulsafur, have been arraigned before Suleja High Court Number Three.
They were earlier standing trial at Minna Senior Magistrate Court Number Seven, presided over by Hajiya Fati Kabir, who held a preliminary charge before they were properly arraigned before Suleja High Court.
Twenty-nine (29) of the defendants were charged to court, out of which thirteen of them physically took their plea before Justice Aisha Wodu Bawa of Suleja High Court Number Three, while sixteen of the defendants were said to be at large. Additionally, two others were still in Minna correctional custody and were to be brought in on the next adjourned date for them to take their plea.
Those in court were Umar Ilyasu Sarki, Hamza Umar Sarki, Dauda Umar Sarki, Abdulkareem Dantani, Yusuf Chaska, Zubairu Dabaka, Donbitso, Jibrin Garba Dende, and Ibrahim Mohammed.
Others include Ilyasu Dantani, Yakubu Bisalla, Musa Mohammed, Adamu Yusuf, Yunusa Ibrahim Abdullahi Umaru, Musa Abubakar, Danladi Dashi, Mohammed Atiku, and Usman Habib.
The office of the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in the State Ministry of Justice arraigned the thirteen accused persons or defendants on five-count charges, which included culpable homicide, disturbing public peace, inciting disturbance, voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous means, and mischief by fire.
The five-count charges, according to the Assistant Chief State Counsel in the State Ministry of Justice, Barrister Mohammed Galadima, were punishable under Section 79 of the Joint Act, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code.
In one of the counts made available in court and obtained by our Correspondent, read in parts:
“That you, Umar Ilyasu Sarki, on about the 14th day of January 2023, at Lammbata within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, had formed a common intention with Hamza Umar Sarki, Dauda Umar Sarki, Abdulkareem Dantani, Yusuf Chaska, Zubairu Dabaka, Danbitso, and Nda’allah Dagbq to commit an offence to wit: culpable homicide, in furtherance of which you went to the house of Mallam Mohammed Abdulsafur, who is the Village Head of Lammbata, got him beaten to a pulp, and inflicted head injuries on him. You all thereby committed an offence of joint act contrary to Section 79 read together with Section 221 of the penal code.”
When the five-count charges were read to them by Justice Aisha Bawa Wodu and interpreted for them, they all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
At this point, Barrister Ahmed Baba Shehu applied for their bail. The bail application is supported by a fourteen-paragraph affidavit urging the Court to grant the defendants bail and assuring that “if granted bail, they will provide a reasonable surety that would stand for them and will abide by any of the bail conditions.”
Objecting to the bail application, the Assistant Chief State Counsel in the office of the Attorney General of Niger State, Barrister Mohammed Galadima, told the court that he had filed a counter-affidavit to object to the bail application as moved by the defence counsel and requested the court to adjourn the case to commence hearing into the matter.
While adjourning the case, Justice Aisha Bawa Wodu thereby adjourned the case to October 17, 2023, for Commencement of the matter.
She then ordered their remand in correctional custody pending the ruling on the bail application.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
God said you must not marry more wives, Gbile Akanni warns new Soun of Ogbomosho
Founder of Peace House, Bro Gbile Akanni has sent a stern warning to the newly installed Soun of…
How Nigeria can work again, Adebanjo, others speak
Some of the critical issues that engaged the leaders, one of whom was among…
We’ve not lifted visa ban on Nigeria — UAE
The United Arab Emirates has contradicted claims by the Nigerian government that it is to lift a year-long visa ban on…
Five ways to cope with September floods
September is the month for heavy rainfall. Already, there are alerts from government agencies on likely flooding between…
#BBNaijaAllStars: Kim Oprah predicts top 3 finalists
Evicted Big Brother Naija house guest, Kim Oprah has predicted the finalists for the ongoing ‘All Stars’ edition of…
LALIGA unveils vision for Africa, introduces new managing director
LALIGA, the world-renowned Spanish football league, took a significant stride towards its commitment to Africa by…
The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has launched a demolition drive to remove illegal structures…
"The replacement for the office of national secretary which was vacant or occupied initially by…
Bauchi Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has reiterated its commitment of his administration to adequate…
… As lawmakers eulogised late Clark President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has faulted remarks…
Recent checks indicate that the electoral body has recognized the faction led by Julius Abure,…
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is happy with…
This website uses cookies.