Written by Abubakar Sadiq Isah Friday, 17 June 2011 00:00
The police Wednesday arraigned nine persons from Goya village in Kuje Area Council before an Abuja Magistrate Court sitting at Gwagwalada, for allegedly forcing one Taminu Yakubu to drink rat poison and Gramazone chemical.
Danladi Zawari, 26, Tanko Rubochi, 40, Adamu Zawari, 21, Daniel Danlami, 58, Dennis Sabo, 20, Bejeh Adamu, 35, Male Daniel 25, Bako Bawar and Yebu Ibrahim, 25 were alleged to have accused the victim of witchcraft practice before tying his legs and hands.
Prosecutor Inspector Sunday Okedi informed the court that the suspects forced the victim to drink poisonous chemicals after accusing him of witch craft.
He said the suspects were arrested on May 31 following information made available to the police area command at Gwagwalada, which prompted their prosecution.
The suspects however pleaded not guilty to the charges and their lawyer, Abdullahi Imam, requested for their bails, adding that they have been in police custody since May 31.
Barrister Imam also stated that the suspects and the victim were from the same family and there were moves to settle the case out of court.
Prosecutor Okedi opposed the bail application and told the court that the fate of the victim, who was currently at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, is unknown and the accused persons may jump bail having known the gravity of their offences.
Magistrate Lamido Kabiru ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody till June 21 to enable the court visit the hospital to know the state of the victim’s health.