Justice Aisha Bawa Wodu of a High Court in Suleja, Niger State, has ordered the remand of 13 individuals in the Minna Correctional Centre for their alleged involvement in the killing of the village head of Lammbata, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulsafur.
The suspects were brought to court on a five-count charge, including culpable homicide, disturbing public peace, inciting disturbance, voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous means, and mischief by fire.
They had previously faced preliminary charges in a Magistrate’s court before being properly arraigned in the High Court.
The charges against them are punishable under Section 79 of the Joint Act, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code.
Out of the 29 suspects charged, 13 took their pleas, while 16 are reported to be at large. Two others, who are in Minna Correctional Custody, will be brought to court on the next adjourned date to enter their pleas.
The defendants, when read the five-count charges, pleaded not guilty. Their counsel applied for bail, which was opposed by the prosecution.
The court adjourned the case to October 17 for the commencement of the trial and remanded the suspects in Correctional Custody until the ruling on the bail application.