Abuja Federal High Court has ordered the remand of five suspected terrorists accused of carrying out the June 5, 2022 massacre. Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order on Monday after the suspects were arraigned and pleaded not guilty to their charges.
The defendants are Idris Omezia, 25, Al Quasim Idris, 20, Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26, Abduhaeem Idris, 25 and Momoh Abubaka, 47. As reported, the office of the attorney general of the federation is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Federal government.
Before the attack, the suspects were alleged to have held planned meetings in Kogi and Ondo states. On June 5, the terrorist group detonated explosive devices and opened fire on worshippers at St Francis catholic church, Owo.
The terrorists were charged with nine counts filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, M.B. Abubakar. Their offences are said to be contrary to and punishable under Sections 12(a) and 42(a)(ii) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Trial Adjourned to August 19
As proceedings began, the court was informed of the charges that had been filed during vacation by the prosecution. Following this, Prosecuting counsel, Calistus Eze, sought the court’s leave to move the application, granted by Justice Nwite.
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Eze then applied for a trial date and the continued remand of the defendants, after they pleaded not guilty.
In response, defense counsel Abdullahi Mohammed urged the court to allow the defendants to see their relatives and lawyers before their continued remand. The prosecuting counsel replied that the defendants should be granted access if a letter, specifying date and time, is submitted.
Eze added that the defendants will have the necessary facilities to prepare their defense since a trial will be commenced. Following this, Justice Nwite adjourned the case to August 19 for trial and ordered the defendants remanded.
The June 5, 2022, attack left more than 100 worshippers injured and over 40 dead.
