By Ade Adesomoju,
Abuja – The trial of an alleged kidnap kingpin, Bala Hamisu, also known as Wadume, is to begin before the Federal High Court in Abuja today (Monday).
Justice Binta Nyako had at the June 8, 2020 proceedings, when Wadume from Taraba State and six others were arraigned on amended 13 counts of terrorism-related offences, adjourned till June 22 for commencement of trial.
The amendment of the charges by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), saw the names of alleged 10 accomplice soldiers struck off the charges.
There have been a public outrage and strident calls by lawyers, activists, and family members of some of the slain victims for the arrest and prosecution of the soldiers.
Human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), acting on behalf of the family of one of the slain policemen, Inspector Mark Ediale, had in a letter dated June 15, 2020, and sent to the AGF’s office the same day, demanded the arrest and prosecution of the soldiers within seven days.
He threatened to take “appropriate action” should the minister fail to grant the request within the seven days period.
Falana argued that the removal of the soldiers’ names from the charges by Malami violated Section 174 of the Constitution, which gave the AGF the power to only take over cases in public interest.
The seven-day ultimatum issued by the senior lawyer will lapse today (Monday).
When asked about his next line of action on Sunday, Falana said it would be dependent on whether the soldiers would be produced in court on Monday.
He said, “We shall see whether the soldiers will be brought to court on Monday, which is when our seven-day ultimatum will lapse. That is when we will know whether the AGF office complies with our demand or not.”
