Murder case: Maryam re-arraigned, returns to Suleja prison

By Vivian Okejeme
Abuja

Justice Yusuf Halihu of the High Court,Abuja has ordered Maryam Sanda, who allegedly murdered her husband, Bilyamin Bello, to remain in Sulaja prison till February 5, 2018.
Sanda was re-arraigned alongside her mother, Maimuna Aliyu and brother, Aliyu, over their alleged involvement in the murder of Bilyamin Bello.
Maimuna, Aliyu and one Sadiya were in court for allegedly assisting Maryam to clean the blood of Bilyamin from the crime scene with the intention of screening Maryam from legal punishment of her action.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge brought against them by the prosecution.
Sequel to the not guilty plea, the defendant’s counsel, Chief Joseph Daudu (SAN), approached the court with their bail application.
While he made a formal application for bail for Maryam, he made an oral application for the other three defendants, adding that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) did not specify the procedure of applying for bail when the offence is punishable with a maximum of 5 years.
He also submitted that Maryam has some life threatening illness that the prison cannot take care of.
Opposing both applications, the prosecutor, James Idachaba, said for Maryam, even though he has sympathy for her innocent eight-month baby, he does not think that should count in the face of law for her to be released on bail.
But for Maimuna, Aliyu and Sadiya, he said the court should use its discretion but also oppose the bail application.
Consequently the judge refused the bail application for Maryam.
However, he granted the other three bail with two sureties with evidence of residence in Abuja on the ground that they have been on Police administrative bail.
The matter was adjourned till February 5,6,7 and 8, 2018 for commencement of trial.

Leave a Reply