Emir Bayero's Suspected Attacker Docked

KANO, Sept 28, (THEWILL) - Two persons who were alleged to have conspired to attack the Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero were arraigned today before a Chief Magistrate Court in Kano.

According to the Police First Information Report (FIR), the first accused, Usman Musa of Dorayi Quarters Kano went to the house of his scholar, Alhaji Abubakar Hamisu and conspired to carry the attack on the Emir on the 9th of July, 2010.

The FIR added that the scholar gave the first accused one gas iron-welding muzzle in a shape of a pistol to throw at the emir after Juma'at prayers at the state’s Central Mosque.

Alhaji Hamisu was also alleged to have given Musa a tiny charm to put in his mouth, so that he could disappear after executing the assignment.

Meanwhile, after the four charges of criminal conspiracy, attempt to commit culpable homicide, abatement and being in possession of dangerous weapons which are contrary to Sections 97, 84, 229 and 103 of the Penal Code Law were read to the accused, they both pleaded not guilty.

But counsel to the second accused person, Mr. Yahaya moved for his bail under Section 341 (2) a, b and c of the Criminal Procedure Code, stating that no matter the magnitude of an offence, the accused person is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence at this stage.

He added that the accused person is an old man of over 80 years, claiming that since his arrest, ‘he has been in police custody.’ The counsel further cited the case of Dokubo Asari versus the Federal Republic of Nigeria to support his application. He explained that if granted bail, his client will provide the court with reliable sureties and will not commit any offence.

However, police prosecutor in the case, Sergeant Junaidu Aminu, objected to the application, because police investigation is still ongoing in the matter and that the charges against the second accused person are serious in nature.

After listening to arguments from both sides, the presiding judge, Chief Magistrate Jamilu Shehu Sulaiman, adjourned the matter to Wednesday, September 29, 2010 for ruling on the two applications.