Nigeria: Nyanya Bombing - Court Frees Suspect

Justice Adeniyi Ademola of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday struck out the charge filed by the federal government against Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, the alleged mastermind of the April 14 bomb explosion that killed over 75 people at a bus station in Nyanya, Abuja, for "want of diligent prosecution."

The federal government had through the Inspector General of Police filed a criminal charge against Ogwuche.

But the trial could not commence due to confusion between the police and the Department of State Security (DSS) over who should prosecute him.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, Justice Ademola struck out the suit due to the absence of the IGP and the prosecution counsel.

Justice Ademola said, "This criminal charge is hereby struck out for want of diligent prosecution by the complainant, Inspector General of Police and his prosecutor."

In a related development, Justice Ademola yesterday granted the oral application sought by Ogwuche's counsel, Mr. Ahmed Raji (SAN) for family members to have access to the alleged bomber.

The court ordered that three lawyers from Ahmed Raji's chambers and two of Ogwuche's family members, including his wife, be allowed access to the suspect who is being held by the SSS.

The SSS counsel Clifford Osagie and the AGF's counsel Mr. Taiwo Abidogun did not object to the request. He also granted him access to medical care at National Hospital, Abuja if need be.

He adjourned the matter till December 5 for hearing of the originating motion exparte.

Counsel to the suspect, Ahmed Raji (SAN), in an application for the enforcement of Ogwuche's fundamental human rights, had asked the court to admit Ogwuche to bail.

He alleged that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the DSS, who are respondents in the matter, were breaching the fundamental rights of the applicant by holding him endlessly against the provision of the law without trial.

By Kunle Olasanmi

 

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