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:
Sahara reporters
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