A Chief Magistrate Court in Minna has discharged and acquitted 26 suspects who were on trial for criminal conspiracy and being part of a gang of thieves.
The suspects were arraigned in October 2024 by the Niger State Police Command.
According to the Police Prosecutor, Inspector Bello Beji, the two counts of charges were punishable under sections 97 and 306 of the Penal Code.
In response to the Police Prosecutor’s oral application, the defense counsel, Barrister Abubakar Ma’aji, informed the court that “From all indication, the Prosecutor is not ready to go on with the case. This case has suffered so many adjournments in the last four months.
“My Lord, I request you to discharge the defendants for lack of diligent prosecution in accordance with the provision of section 191 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act Law (ACJA), Niger State 2021, that is our prayer, the defence counsel told the court.
While ruling on the oral application of the defence counsel, the Presiding Chief Magistrate, Hajiya UmmulKatume Mohammed held that the oral application of the defense counsel has been granted and the twenty-six defendants “are hereby discharged and acquitted for lack of diligent prosecution.”
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