From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja
The planned arraignment of Taraba State born alleged kidnap kingpin, Bala Hamisu (aka Wadume) and 19 others on charges terrorism, murder, kidnapping and illegal arms possession was shelved on Monday owing to the failure of the military authorities to release some of the defendants.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu had, on February 3, 2020 filed a 16-count charge against Hamisu and others.
They were arrested after the August 6, 2019 attack on members of a special anti-crime squad from the IGP’s office, soldiers of the 93 Battalion, Takum, Taraba State.
The policemen were said to have travelled to Taraba to arrested Wadume and were transporting him to the state police command, Jalingo, for interrogation, when the soldiers reportedly attacked them, killing three policemen and two civilians on the spot.
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About 10 of the 20 defendants, named in the charge, including Wadume, were brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday. the other 10 said to be soldiers, were absent.
Lead prosecution lawyer, Simon Lough told the court that on January 7, 2020 the IG of Police wrote to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Chief of Defence Staff. (CDS) for the release of the 10 others (listed as the 2nd to 11th defendants) to the police for the purpose of arraignment and prosecution in court.
Lough added that although the letters were acknowledged, the defendants were not released to appear before the court for arraignment.
Citing Section 87 and 159 of the Administration of Criminal Act (ACJA 2015), Lough urged the court to compel the military authorities to produce those in their custody in court on the next adjourned date.
Ruling, Justice Binta Nyako ordered the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai to produce the soldiers, who were alleged to have aided the escape of Hamisu, in court on the next ajourned date.
Justice Nyako ordered the Chief of Army Staff or any other person whose custody the suspects were to provide them in court by March 30, 2020.
She ordered that an enrolled copy of the court order should be served on the COAS to enable him comply.
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