By Aunde T. Emmanuel
A High Court in Nsukka, Enugu State, on Monday, denied bail application to five suspects of Nimbo killing. The suspects are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and culpable homicide. The Daily Times recalls that in April 5, 2015, some suspected Fulani herdsmen invaded Ukpabi-Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State and massacred 11 people as well as injured several others with property worth millions of naira destroyed.
The five suspects, Muhammed Zurai, Suleman Lautai, Haruna Lautai, Sule Adamu and Alhaji Ciroma Musa pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them. The counsel to the suspect's, Dr. A.N Muhammed, urged the court to grant the accused bail considering that they have stayed in the prison custody for over one year without trial. Muhammed argued that section 35 A and B of the nation’s constitution allows for bail of suspects who have been in detention for three months and above.
“These suspects have stayed one year and four months in detention, I urge the court to release them unconditionally or with condition by granting them bail. This is because their fundamental human rights have been violated,” he added.
However, the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) represented by Mr. Chuka Ezike, opposed the bail application on the ground that section 35 A and B the defence counsel cited was not applicable in capital offence and pleaded with the presiding judge not to grant the suspects bail. After listening to both parties in respect to the bail application, the presiding judge, Justice Anthony Onovo, fixed October 16 for ruling on bail application and October 17 for further hearing on the matter. Widows of the deceased were in court cladded in black attire.
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