Terrorism: Trial Of Nyanya Bombing Suspects Stalled Again

The trial of Aminu Ogwuche and five others suspected to have masterminded a bomb blast at Nyanya Motor Park in the outskirts of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, on April 14, 2014, has again failed to commence.

Over 70 people were killed in the attack and several others were injured.

A lawyer to the Federal Government told the Federal High Court court that three of its witnesses were out on official assignment and could not be present in court.

He, therefore, asked for a short adjournment to enable him assemble his witnesses and ensure they would be present in court.

The request was not opposed by the various defence counsels.

It is the third time that the case would be adjourned in the last four months.

The Federal Government counsel told the court that his witnesses were out on official assignment and as such he could not open his case.

However, the lead defence counsel, Mr Ahmed Raji, drew the attention of the court to the fact that, they had not asked for bail, because of an agreement for a speedy trial.

He, however, said he would apply for bail or an outright dismissal of the charges if the delay continued, saying the Federal Government has continued to show that it is not ready for trial.

It is expected that the trial would commence at the next adjourned date of May 19, fixed by the trial judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed.

On Monday, the High Court granted the request of the government, to allow witnesses in the ongoing trial of the alleged Nyanya bombing suspects to give their testimonies using masks.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed granted the motion filed by the prosecution to shield his witnesses from the public for security reasons.

source:

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