The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the bail applications of four suspects linked to notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in his ruling on Thursday, said the Prosecution, led by the Attorney-General of the Federation, had presented a strong case showing that releasing the defendants would pose a serious threat to national security.
“The court has the discretion to grant bail, but this must be done carefully and reasonably,” Justice Nwite said, agreeing with the AGF’s counsel, David Kaswe.
The Prosecution had argued that the suspects played key roles in the terrorist activities carried out by Bello Turji in northern Nigeria.
Kaswe warned that if the defendants were granted bail, they might flee or interfere with the evidence against them.
“Bail is not an absolute right, especially when it concerns national security,” Kaswe stated.
He also noted that some other members of the group, including Bello Turji, were still at large.
“Chief among them is the 6th defendant, Bello Turji, who continues to cause mayhem and havoc to innocent Nigerians and remains a threat to national security,” Kaswe added.
While Justice Nwite acknowledged that the law presumes anyone charged with a criminal offence to be innocent until proven guilty, he stressed that the court must also weigh the facts of the case.
The judge granted the Prosecution’s request to protect witnesses as the trial moves forward and approved an accelerated hearing.
The trial is set to begin immediately.
