FG re-arraigns Sheikh El -Zakzaky's chief security officer, two others for supporting terrorism

The Federal Government on Monday re-arraigned Haruna Abbas, the Chief Security Officer to the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) Sheikh Ibrahim El Zakzaky, two others Ibrahim Musa and Adam Suleiman before justice Anwuli Chikere of the Federal High Court Abuja. 

The defendants were arraigned on an amended 8-count criminal charge for allegedly supporting terrorism between 2009 and 2013, by sending people for terrorist training in Iran, an offence contravened the provisions of Section 4, of the Terrorist Prevention Act 2013.

Haruna Abbas was arrested by DSS during Good Jonathan's administration on March 15, 2013 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport when he returned from a visit to Lebanon.Ibrahim Husain was arrested on April , 2013 while Adamu was arrested on June 18, 2014.






At the commencement of hearing, the prosecuting counsel, Miss Chike Nnenna, informed the court that the matter was starting afresh as the charge was dated Nov. 5, 2014. 

She urged the court to accept the charge and allow same be read to the defendants to enable them take their plea. 

When the charge was read, the defendants pleaded not guilty. The prosecuting counsel made an oral application that Ibrahim Musa(the 2nd defendant) who is still in DSS custody, be remanded in prison.
Counsel to Abbas, Aliyu Musa, informed the court that he wished to make an oral application on the health condition of the defendant. 

Justice Chikere, however refused the oral application made by Musa and told him to file a motion which will be heard on the next adjourned date. 

The judge adjourned the case till May 11 for hearing of the motion and ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison custody.


Source: Daily Trust/Harun Elbinawi