Boko Haram Suspects Face Trial, Today

A Federal High Court
in Lagos has fixed Wednesday, October  9 and Thursday, October 10, for the arraignment and trial of 17 suspected Boko Haram members, charged with acts of terrorism.
The suspects included: 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.
Others were: Mati Daura, Farouk Haruna, Abdullahi Azeez, Ibrahim Bukar and Zula Diani.
The case, which was slated for arraignment on Wednesday, was stalled due to the absence of the trial judge, Justice Musa Kurya.
The case was, however, adjourned till Oct. 9 and Oct. 10, for the arraignment and commencement of trial.
The suspects are being arraigned by the Federal Government, on eight-counts bordering on conspiracy and acts of terrorism.
It would be recalled that at the last adjourned date, the accused were docked, but their pleas were not taken, due to the absence of an interpreter to read the charge in the language understood by them.
Justice Kurya had then adjourned the case till October 2, following an application for adjournment made by the prosecutor, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN).
In the charge, the suspects were alleged to have committed the offence on March 21, at Plot 5, Road 69, Lekki Phase 1 Housing Estate, and No. 24, Oyegbeni St., Ijora-Oloye, Apapa, Lagos.
It was alleged that three packets of explosive construction pipes, 15 detonators, and 11 AK 47 rifles loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, were recovered from the accused at their hideout.
It was also alleged that about 200 rounds of 7.6 mm live ammunition, 2 suit cases containing explosives, and one water container also harbouring explosives, were recovered from the accused.
The offences are said to contravene the provisions of Sections 1, 8, 27 (1) (a), and (b) of the Firearms (special provisions) Act, Cap. F28, Laws of the Federation, 2004.