Court drops terrorism charges against Nyanya blast suspect

Ruling on the criminal charge against the suspect, Justice Adeniyi Ademola cited want of diligent prosecution by the police.Counsel to the Department of State Security Services (DSS), Cliff Osagie, had informed the court that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) plans to take over the prosecution of the suspect, adding that the department will […]

Ruling on the criminal charge against the suspect, Justice Adeniyi Ademola cited want of diligent prosecution by the police.
Counsel to the Department of State Security Services (DSS), Cliff Osagie, had informed the court that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) plans to take over the prosecution of the suspect, adding that the department will keep him in custody.
The judge had on November 10 ordered the security agencies to produce the suspect yesterday for the hearing of his bail application by his lawyer Ahmed Raji (SAN).
In the fundamental rights enforcement procedure, Raji told the court that Ogwuche has been denied access to his family members, solicitors and physician.
He added that his health condition has been affected by his detention without trial.
In his second ruling, Justice Ademola ordered the DSS to grant Ogwuche access to three lawyers from the chambers of Raji, his wife and another family member.
He further ordered that the suspect be given adequate medical attention while in custody, adding that if there is urgent need, he should be referred to the National Hospital for treatment.
Ogwuche, a 29-year-old Nigerian Army deserter, was alleged to have masterminded the April 14 Nyanya Motor Park bombing which killed scores of passengers and destroyed several buses.
He was subsequently traced to Sudan by the Interpol which initiated diplomatic processes for his extradition to Nigeria on July 15.
The judge has adjourned the case to December 5 for hearing on the bail application.