FG Rejects Transfer of Arrested Boko Haram Commanders to Prison

The Boko Haram commanders are facing charges of killing 11 foreigners in Northern Nigeria between 2011 and 2013.

Justice John Tsoho at a Federal High Court in Abuja had on March 14 ordered the remand of the defendants at the Kuje Prisons in Abuja following their arraignment on an 11 counts charge of terrorism.

But counsel to the Federal Government, Suleiman Labaran filed an application opposing the remand. On Tuesday he told the court that keeping them in the facilities of the Department of State Services (DSS) was in the interest of public safety and national security.

The judge has also granted approval for the prosecution to shield the identities of witnesses in the trial, Daily Trust reports. 

The accused are: Mohammed Usman (aka Khalid Albarnawi), described as the leader of a Boko Haram splinter group, Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (a.k.a ANSARU); Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Bello (aka Abu Azzan); Mohammed Salisu (Datti); Yakubu Nuhu (aka Bello Maishayi), Usman Abubakar (Mugiratu) and a lady, Halima Aliyu.