Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Court frees suspected Nyanya bomber

The two-count charge brought against Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, the alleged mastermind of the the Nyanya bombing, was this afternoon struck out by a Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Adeniyi Ademola said he had no other option than to strike out the case for want of diligent prosecution, according to the newsexpress

The suspect, who was in court, however was not discharged as he is being detained by the Department of State Security (DSS).
Hearing of Ogwuche’s case for the enforcement of his fundamental human right has been adjourned to December 5. He is asking the court to compel the Attorney-General of the Federation and the DSS to either charge him to court or set him free.
He contends that Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution is being violated by his continued detention since July 15 without trial.
Ogwuche was produced in court today in compliance with an earlier order of the court.
The suspect was arrested in Sudan and brought back home amid drama and chest-thumping by the police and the DSS last July 15.
A suspected Boko Haram member, Ogwuche is supposed to have been diligently prosecuted for the April 2014 Nyanya bombing which killed more than 70 people. The blast at the Nyanya Motor Park occurred during morning peak hours as residents were hurrying to work.
On his return the DSS got a court order to remand him in their custody for further investigation. The 90 days requested by the DSS have since passed. According to the prosecution, the DSS is still drafting charges against the suspect and will arraign him at the appropriate time.
This decision was opposed by the accused, who has filed a case alleging the violation of his fundamental rights.

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