The Christmas Day bomb suspect, Kabiru Sokoto and 30 other suspected members of Boko Haram are to wait further for the commencement of their expected trial for terrorism.
The State Security Service (SSS) is not yet through with its investigation into their activities, sources said yesterday in Abuja.
It is also searching for witnesses considered crucial to presenting an iron-cast case against Kabir in particular.
The suspects have been in security custody for upward of eight months.
Kabir was first arrested by the police in Abuja on January 14 only for him to make an audacious escape two days later, embarrassing the security community.
Although he was re-arrested on February 10, his escape led to the removal of Mr. Hafiz Ringim as the Inspector General of Police.
A Commissioner of Police, Mallam Zakari Biu, was also dismissed over Kabiru Sokoto’s escape.
Authoritative sources told The Nation yesterday that Kabiru is still undergoing intermittent interrogation. A source said a thorough job has to be done if the case against him must be prosecuted successfully.
“We are still conducting in-depth investigation into the activities of Kabiru Sokoto because he is suspected to be the coordinator of the spate of bombings in Suleija-Madalla axis,” one source said.
“Although the incident happened in December, we have been working round the clock to get to the root of how the bombing was perpetrated.
“Don’t forget that in between our investigation, he escaped and we re-arrested him. This dimension to the case can also not be glossed over.
“The SSS is also looking for three to four key witnesses who can be of assistance in his trial.”
On other suspected members of the sect in detention, the source said: “They are still undergoing interrogation which covers a wide range of issues. What is at stake is terrorism and not just mere criminal matters.
“And this terrorism is still being perpetrated by some gunmen, a development that has made the investigation a continuous one.
“You talk of fundamental human rights, but this is a serious security matter. And don’t forget that the SSS has been fair by not detaining any suspect longer than necessary.
“For instance, some suspects arrested for terrorism have been on trial. In spite of the weight of allegations against them, some of the suspects on trial were even granted bail by some judges even though they have jumped bail.
“Definitely, after due diligence or thorough investigation, we will charge Kabiru Sokoto and others still being held to court.”
Nine months after the Christmas Day bomb blast, three of the victims remain in critical conditions with seven partially blind.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), it was gathered, has procured an artificial leg for one of the victims while another has been transferred to Enugu. The third is confined to his house in Madalla, Niger State.
NEMA has taken the seven partially blind victims to the National Eye Centre for intensive treatment.
A total of 44 people died while 75 were injured in the blast.
A source, who spoke with our correspondent when he visited the church said: “So far, the post-bomb blast rehabilitation is still on course. We give thanks to the government and well-meaning Nigerians who have come to our aid.
“By our records, the Niger State Government has given N1 million each to the next-of-kins or relations of the 44 people killed. Those injured got between N50, 000 and N100, 000 assistance. The state government also gave N3 million to the church.
“The Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Mohammed Sani-Sidi, has been up and doing in this post-bomb blast rehabilitation programme. For example, NEMA has distributed building materials to all those whose houses, shops and structures were damaged. These materials were given out on the basis of what is required to put these buildings back.
“NEMA is also taking care of seven people, who became partially blind during the blast, at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna. We are praying to God that they will fully regain their sights.
“We have cases of three others who have not been able to walk since the incident happened. One of them had her leg amputated but NEMA has provided artificial leg for her. Out of the remaining two, one is in Madalla still undergoing treatment and the other has been transferred to Enugu State.”
Contacted, the Head of Public Relations Unit of NEMA, Alhaji Yushau Shuaib, said: “Yes, we have provided the needed materials in line with our mandate. We have tried our best to address the plight of some of the affected victims.
“In fact, in some instances, we have had cause to take some victims abroad for treatment. NEMA under its present Director-General has been proactive in its programmes and it is investing heavily in remedial or rehabilitation measures.”
Out of the 44 who died in the blast, 26 were parishioners. The dead included Anthony Okoronkwo; Comrade Dike A. Williams; Emmanuel Dike; Richard Dike; Lilian Dike; Lynda Chioma Ubiukwu; Uche Queen Obiukwu; Chidinma Cynthia Obiukwu; Linderlin Ifeoma Obiukwu; Ann-Chinedu Aigbadon; Chiemeri Nwachukwu; Cecilia Ebeku; Oluebube Faustina Pius; Chidera Sylvia Pius; Florence Nwachukwu and Eucharia Ewoh.
Others were Joseph Daniel; Inspector Titus Eze; Obasi Jonathan Onyebuchi; Ehiawaguan Peter; Uche Esiri; Sgt. Kadiri Danjuma and five unidentified persons.
