A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday adjourned till July 19 for the arraignment of seven police chiefs that allegedly killed leader of the Boko Haram sect Mohammed Yusuf on July 30, 2009.
Those arraigned are ACP J.B. Abang, ACP Akeera, CSP Mohammed Ahmadu, ACP Mada Buba, Sgt. Adamu Gado and two constables; Anthony Samuel and Linus Luka.
They are charged with unlawful killing of Yusuf and his followers, and conspiracy to commit an offence to wit; a terrorist act contrary to Sections 315 and 516 of the Criminal Code and punishable under Section 15 (1) (2) of the EFCC Act, 2004.
Although the seven were to be arraigned yesterday, only five were in the court. Samuel and Luka were absent.
The prosecution counsel, R.N Ojabor told the court that there is another case which involves only Sgt. Gado but with similar facts, circumstances, evidences and witnesses.
He sought the leave of the court to consolidate the charges.
Ojabor also told the court that the Police witnesses refused to appear in court because they are afraid.
Defence counsel Paul Erokoro (SAN) who did not oppose the application, asked the court to compel the witnesses to appear in court.
Sensing the direction of the proceedings, the judge at point invited counsel to his chamber.
After about 30 minutes, the court reconvened.
Since the charges against the accused are similar, Justice Okorowo ordered the prosecution to consolidate them.
He adjourned the matter till July 19 for the accused persons to take their plea on the amended charge.
*Is this even fair despite the spontaneous killings carried out and still been carried out by him, his loyalists(Boko Haram)?*
Source:
Nation
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