Four suspects allegedly involved in the kidnapping of University of Abuja (UniAbuja) lecturers and their children in 2021 were arraigned before Justice Donatus Okorowo at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.
The arraignment, conducted by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), saw Adamu Abubakar, Nura Muhammed Ahmadu, Ismailia Abubakar, and Abdulrahman Ado, also known as Yellow, appearing as the 1st to 4th defendants respectively on a two-count terrorism charge.
Although the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, they signaled their desire to speak directly to the court.
Despite initial hesitation, Justice Okorowo granted them the opportunity to express themselves following their insistence.
The suspects then lamented that since their arrest over two years ago, their families had been unaware of their whereabouts, and they alleged mistreatment without proper care or sustenance.
After their plea, the AGF’s lawyer, David Kaswe, requested the court to remand the defendants, while their counsel, C.S. Nwaogu, urged that they be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre to allow their families access to them.
However, Kaswe argued for their remand in the Department of State Service (DSS) custody due to the gravity of the charges.
Ultimately, Justice Okorowo ordered the defendants to be remanded in the DSS facility until the trial, which was adjourned until July 24.
The arraignment stems from the abduction incident that occurred on November 2, 2021, when gunmen invaded the UniAbuja Staff Quarters in Gwagwalada and abducted six individuals, including Professor Joseph Adavani and Dr. Ferguson Tobins.
Recalled that the abductors demanded a ransom of N300 million but were later apprehended following a joint operation by security agencies.
The Federal Government, represented by the AGF’s office, filed a two-count criminal charge against the four suspects, alleging violations of Sections 15 and 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.
This move underscores the government’s commitment to prosecuting individuals involved in acts of terrorism and ensuring justice for victims of such heinous crimes.
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