Defence Headquarters To Try Over 500 Boko Haram Suspects, Releases 167

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Nigeria has set free 167 of the 1400 Boko Haram suspects being held in Maiduguri and other locations in North-East Zone, but will try 500 other suspects. The decision follows the recommendations of a Joint Investigation Team set up by Defence Headquarters. This disclosure is contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Brig-Gen. Chris Olukolade, and it comes two days after Boko Haram’s ferocious attacks on Nigeria’s military facilities in Maiduguri, Borno State.

“Those recommended for immediate trial include high profile suspects some of whom were training other terrorists in weapon handling as well as those who confessed to being trained in Mali and other countries for the purpose of perpetrating terror in Nigeria,” the statement said. Olukoyade disclosed that those recommended for trial include a medical doctor, paramilitary or service personnel who were fighting on the side of the terrorists, as well as individuals who offered direct logistics support to them

“The team however recommended the release of 167 of the detainees from detention in Maiduguri, Yola and Damaturu.  About 614 others whose cases were inconclusive have been recommended for review.”

Some of the detainees are to be tried for various offences, including armed robbery, murder, and drugs.
Olukoyade noted that if the recommendations of the team are accepted, the suspects will stand trial in State and Federal High Courts.

“Receiving the reports at the Defence Headquarters, the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim commended the team for being thorough in conducting the assignment. He assured them that the recommendations will be treated with dispatch after due consultations with appropriate authorities.”

SOURCE: Saharareporters.com