Skip to main content

AGF takes over Wadume kidnapping case from IGP



The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation has taken over from the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, the prosecution of the alleged Taraba State kidnapping kingpin, Bala Hamisu, also known as Wadume, along with 19 others.

The IGP had on February 3, 2020, slammed 16 counts of terrorism, murder, kidnapping, and illegal arms running against the 20 defendants, among whom are two police officers and 10 soldiers.

Only six of the 20 defendants, including Wadume, were present in court on Wednesday.


The 10 soldiers among the defendants were absent on Wednesday, a repeat of the scenario when the case was first mentioned in court on March 16, 2020.

The lawyer who was then prosecuting the case on IGP’s behalf, Simon Lough, had informed the judge, Justice Binta Nyako, at the March 16 proceedings that the Army had rebuffed repeated requests to release the soldiers for arraignment.

This prompted the judge to order the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to release the 10 defendants to the police.


Meanwhile, the prosecuting counsel from the AGF office, Labaran Magaji, who appeared in the case for the first time on Wednesday, told Justice Nyako that his office took over the case and received the case file from the police on Tuesday.

He requested an adjournment to enable him to make moves for the production of all the defendants in court.


Magaji said, “The AGF office applied to take over the prosecution of the criminal charge. We were handed over the file yesterday(Tuesday). The case has about 20 defendants, but only six defendants are present in court.

“In the circumstances, we shall be asking for a short adjournment for the purpose of bringing all the suspects named in the charge.

“The prosecution shall do the needful to ensure that the case takes off immediately.”

PUNCH 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Taraba Governor Approves Cabinet Reshuffle, Redeploys Four Commissioners

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has approved the immediate redeployment of four Commissioners serving in the State Executive Council as part of a cabinet reshuffle. The redeployment, contained in a press release dated August 26, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, Esq., affects four ministries. Under the new arrangement, Hon. Peter George moves from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry to the Ministry of Water Management and Aquatic Affairs, while Hon. Daniel Ishaku is redeployed from Water Management and Aquatic Affairs to the Ministry of Waste Management and Resource Innovation. Also affected are Hon. Bernard Shonzen James Kassa, who moves from the Ministry of Waste Management and Resource Innovation to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Services, and Hon. Philip Habu James, who is redeployed from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Services to the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry...
Post a Comment
Read more

Tinubu approve reconstruction of Numan-Jalingo, Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede, Mayo Selbe–Gembu roads

By Taraba Facts President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the completion of the long-abandoned Jalingo–Numan Road, rehabilitation of the Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede Road and construction of the Mayo Selbe–Gembu Road has been welcomed as a major development for Taraba State. The approval is expected to address some of the state’s long-standing road infrastructure challenges and improve connectivity between communities, commercial centres and neighbouring states. The Jalingo–Numan Road, which has remained abandoned for years, is considered a critical route for the movement of people and goods between Taraba and Adamawa states. Its completion is expected to ease transportation, reduce travel difficulties and support economic activities along the corridor. Similarly, the rehabilitation of the Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede Road and construction of the Mayo Selbe–Gembu Road are expected to improve access to rural communities and boost agricultural, tourism and commercial activities, particu...
Post a Comment
Read more

Kefas Bans Livestock Rearing in Residential Areas of Jalingo, Imposes ₦50,000 Fine

The Taraba State Government has banned the rearing of animals in residential areas and other parts of Jalingo, the state capital, as part of efforts to tackle environmental nuisance, safeguard public health, and maintain a cleaner and more orderly city. The government also warned that anyone found violating the directive will face an immediate fine of ₦50,000. Chairman of the Taraba State Environmental Sanitation Agency (TSESA), Mr. Iliya Kefas, announced the ban during the state's monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Jalingo.
Post a Comment
Read more