By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
A Minna Chief Magistrate’s Court has ordered the detention of five persons accused of attacking Niger state Governor, Abaubakar Sanni Bello, last Wednesday in Kagara headquarters of Rafi local government area while he was on a visit to the paramount ruler of the area.
The accused persons, Ahmadu Audu, Bashir Shehu, Rabiu Mohammed, Nasiru Isah and Surajo Isah were said to have laid ambush on Governor Bello, pounced on his convoy before he was rescued by his security details.
The suspects, according to the First Information Report (FIR), are facing six counts charge of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbances, inciting hatred to cause clashes and insulting with intent to provoke breach of peace among others contrary to sections 97,114,419,393 and 399 of the penal laws.
The FIR read in part: “That you, Rabiu Mohammed, Ahmadu Audu, Bashir Shehu, Nasiru Isa and Surajo Isah male of Kagara at about 100hours conspired among you without any provocation did insult the Executive governor of Niger state, calling him barau (thief) and this insult was done in the presence of witnesses.”
The pleaded not guilty when the presiding Chief Magistrate, Hassan Mohammed read the charges to them but the prosecutor, Emmanuel Bassa objected to their bail explaining that investigation was ongoing in the matter.
He argued that granting them bail would pose serious security threat to the peace of the community.
The court ordered their detention in prison custody and adjourned the case till May 26, 2016, for further mention.
