The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Bala Haruna

  • Two men bag 10 days imprisonment each for causing public disturbance

    Two men bag 10 days imprisonment each for causing public disturbance

    A Minna Magistrates’ Court on Friday sentenced two men to 10 days imprisonment each for public disturbance.

    The Police arraigned the accused, Bala Haruna and Mohammed Usman, for incitement and causing public disturbance, contrary to section 114 of the penal code.

    The police prosecutor, Insp. Ahmed Ali, told the court that a vigilante group arrested the two men and brought them to the police station on Aug. 12.

    Ali said the two accused were terrorising residents of Paida Community in Niger with long sharp knives on a regular basis.

    The accused pleaded guilty to the charges and begged the court for leniency.

    In her ruling, Magistrate Sa’adatu Gambo, ordered them to pay a fine of N5,000 each or serve 10 days each in prison.

  • Why Boko Haram suspects didn’t get death sentence – Ipaye

    Why Boko Haram suspects didn’t get death sentence – Ipaye

    Lagos State Attorney General, Ade Ipaye, on Thursday made clarifications on why three of the four Boko Haram suspects arraigned before a Federal High Court, Lagos, were not sentenced to death.

    Briefing journalists at the Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Ipaye explained that the convicts were sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the trial judge because they have not carried out the act of terrorism.

    17 suspects were initially arraigned in court last year, but in November of same year, they were reduced to four.

    Ipaye explained that 13 suspects were released because investigation carried out on them revealed that there was no sufficient evidence to prosecute them.

    The Attorney General, who obtained a fiat from his federal counterpart for the suspects’ prosecution, said he had to file a “nolle prosecui” in their favour subsequent upon which they were released.

    He listed the four suspects that went through trial before Justice Ibrahim Buba as – Ali Mohammed, Adamu Karumi, Ibrahim Usman and Bala Haruna.

    They were charged on a six- count charge bordering on conspiracy, acts of terrorism, concealing of information and possession of firearms and ammunitions under the terrorism Act, 2013.

    Ipaye said the law under which they were charged actually prescribed death penalty for such offence.

    “For this, the trial judge would have to consider whether the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were detonated, whether it caused grievous bodily harm or death of individuals, among other consideration before coming down heavily on the suspects,” he stated.

     

     

  • Three Boko Haram members sentenced to 25 years each

    Three Boko Haram members sentenced to 25 years each

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday sentenced three Boko Haram members to 25 years imprisonment each.

    However, journalists were not allowed to cover the judgment.

    Only lawyers in the prosecution and defence teams were allowed in court.

    A source, who witnessed the verdict, but craved anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, told reporters that the fourth defendant was acquitted.

    The court, on December 3 last year, barred journalists from covering the trial of 17 suspected members of the sect.

    Justice Ibrahim Buba made the order following an application by the Lagos State Attorney-General and prosecuting counsel, Mr. Ade Ipaye.

    Men of the Department of Security Services (DSS) had prevented journalists from covering the suspects’ arraignment last November 27.

    The accused are – Ali Mohammed, Adamu Karumi, Ibrahim Usman, Bala Haruna, Idris Ali, Mohammed Murtala, Kadiri Mohammed, Mustapha Daura, Abba Duguri, Sanni Adamu, Danjuma Yahaya, Musa Audu, Mati Daura, Farouk Haruna, Abdullahi Azeez, Ibrahim Bukar and Zula Diani.

    The Attorney-General, it was learnt, had entered a nolle prosequi (Latin for “do not prosecute”) in respect of two of the defendants, who were subsequently discharged.

    Later, another 11 were also discharged in the course of the trial following another nolle prosequi by the prosecution.

    Only four – the first to fourth defendants – went through a full trial.

    The suspects were first charged with conspiracy to commit terrorism, illegal possession of firearms, and being members of a proscribed organisation.

    They allegedly committed the offences on March 21 last year, at Plot 5, Road 69, Lekki Phase I Housing Estate, and at No. 24, Oyegbeni St., Ijora-Oloye, Apapa-Iganmu, Lagos.

    They were alleged to have in their possession three packets of explosive construction pipes, 15 detonators, and 11 AK47 rifles with 30 rounds of live ammunitions.

     

  • Boko Haram members’ trial to hold behind closed doors

    A Federal High Court, Lagos on Tuesday ordered that trial of 17 suspected members of the Boko Haram sect charged with terrorism be held behind closed doors.

    Justice Ibrahim Buba granted an application made by the prosecution, urging that the trial be held in camera.

    The accused are Ali Mohammed, Adamu Karumi, Ibrahim Usman, Bala Haruna, Idris Ali, Mohammed Murtala, Kadiri Mohammed, Mustapha Daura, Abba Duguri, Sanni Adamu, Danjuma Yahaya and Musa Audu.

    The others are Mati Daura, Farouk Haruna, Abdullahi Azeez, Ibrahim Bukar and Zula Diani.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that they are standing trial on an amended seven-count charge of acts of terrorism.

    The Prosecution Counsel who is also the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Ade Ipaye, relied on the provisions of Section 36 (4) (a) (b) of the 1999 Constitution while making the application.

    In the application supported by a nine-paragraph affidavit, Ipaye had prayed for five orders.

    He sought an order directing that prosecution witnesses, being operatives of the State Security Service, should be allowed to give evidence while wearing masks.

    The counsel also sought an order restricting journalists from covering the proceedings, as well as other orders.

    The counsel to the accused had supported Ipaye’s application.

    Buba relied on the provisions of Sections 203, 204 and 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act, Laws of the Federation.