The Department of State Services (DSS) is set to re-arraign five suspected members of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU) terrorist group over the alleged abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
The suspects are accused of complicity in the May 15 abduction in Oriire Local Government Area, which was followed by the killing of two of the victims.
They are expected to face a six-count amended charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, on behalf of the Federal Government.
The accused persons are Mahmud Muhammad, also known as Abu Bara’a and Abbas Mukhtar; Abubakar Abbas, also known as Isah Adam and Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri; Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa and Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, also known as Abu Yunusa Bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar.
According to Channels, their re-arraignment, initially scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, was adjourned after the first accused, Muhammad, objected to being represented by a lawyer from the Legal Aid Council.
At the proceeding, Deputy Director of the Legal Aid Council, Akilaluyel Shettima, announced his appearance for the five defendants.
However, Muhammad told the trial judge, Justice Salim Ibrahim, that the accused had previously been represented by a lawyer identified as Bala Dakum and wanted him to continue with the case.
Muhammad, speaking on behalf of the other defendants, insisted that they be allowed to choose their own counsel.
In response, Oyedepo conceded that the choice of legal representation was a constitutional matter that should be respected.
The DPPF also told the court that the DSS was not interested in persecuting the defendants but in ensuring justice.
“Oyedepo told the court that the DSS is a law-abiding institution not interested in persecution of the accused persons but only interested in justice.”
Following the submissions, Justice Ibrahim adjourned the matter to Thursday, September 17, for the re-arraignment.
The judge directed the defendants to contact Dakum and ensure that he appears in court for the proceedings.
Justice Ibrahim also ordered the DSS to grant the accused access to their lawyer to enable them to prepare their defence
