A Magistrate Court sitting in Sokoto State on Monday ordered the remand of two suspects arrested over the murder of a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Deborah Samuel, for alleged blasphemy.
Africa Today News, New York had earlier reported that the Police arraigned the two suspects, Bilyaminu Aliyu and Aminu Hukunchi, who are also students of the college, yesterday.
The Police First Information Report revealed that both suspects were arraigned as a result of the mob action, which led to Deborah’s lynching.
Both suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against them following their arraignment.
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Against this backdrop, the prosecutor, Inspector Khalil Musa, prayed the court for another date to enable the Police to complete its investigation.
However, the defence counsels, led by Professor Mansur Ibrahim, who did not oppose the application, pleaded with the court to grant the defendants bail.
Ibrahim cited sections 157, 161(a,f) and 164 of the administration of criminal justice law of Sokoto state, as well as 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
The court, however, adjourned ruling on the application to a later date which would be communicated to the lawyers.
It, therefore, directed that the defendants be remanded at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.
Recall that Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has expressed sadness over the killing of a female student of Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto State.
Africa Today News, New York reports that the student who was identified as Deborah Yakubu was lynched by some male Muslim students for allegedly insulting Prophet Mohammed in a WhatsApp platform.
The unfortunate incident has continued to generate reactions from concerned Nigerians who are demanding justice for the 200-level student.
Bishop Kukah in a statement he personally signed, called on relevant authorities to fish out the perpetrators without delay.