Lack of Legal Representative Stalls Trial of Boko Haram suspects

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday directed that legal counsel should be provided for six members of the militant Islamic sect, Boko Haram, who were arraigned on a five-count of terrorism.

The suspects were charged to court by the State Security Service for allegedly masterminding the bombing of the All Christian Fellowship Mission and the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Suleja, Niger State, as well as in other areas between April and May, 2011.

Their trial could not proceed on account of their lack of legal representation, as well as the absence of an interpreter following the inability of the accused persons to understand English language.

A 'no guilty' plea was however entered on behalf of the accused persons by the presiding judge, Bilkisu Aliyu who directed that a lawyer be provided for them by the Ministry of Justice.

The suspects, Shuaibu Abubakar, Salisu Ahmed, Umar Babagana, Mohammed Ali, Musa Adamu and Umar Ibrahim, were kept in the SSS custody and the case adjourned till October 20 and 21, 2011.

Source...
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