Court remands Boko Haram computer analysts, spiritual head in prison

Three suspected Boko Haram members yesterday appeared before a Koton-Karfe Chief Magistrate Court in Kogi State for allegedly belonging to the terror sect.

Arraigned were  Abdullahi Audu, Bashiru Yahaya and their spiritual head, Ahmed Momoh.

The pleaded not guilty.

Prosecuting counsel Mohammed Abaji, told the court that the defendants were arrested in June by security men.

Others are at large,he said.

Abaji stated that investigation and analysis of their telephone numbers revealed that they were not only members of the sect but had also carried out repairs of the terrorists’ computers.

The prosecutor also said the defendants had carried out repairs of other electronic components owned by the insurgents and used them for their nefarious activities.

According to him, the third defendant, Momoh is the spiritual head of the gang mandated to prepare ‘’charms/Ruqya’’ for members of the group and their families, before and during operations.

Abaji prayed the court to take cognizance of the grave nature of the allegations by dismissing the oral application brought by the defendants.

He said their actions were contrary to section 97(1) of the Penal Code Law and Belonging to Terrorists’ Group.

The prosecutor also said the defendants had allegedly violated Section 4 and Section 5 of Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.

Chief Magistrate  Levi Animoku, in his ruling, ordered the three accused to be remanded at the Federal Prisons, Koton-Karfe, saying that the allegations against them was grave.

Animoku said the activities of members of the terrorists’ group had terminated many lives in the country, adding that the crimes the defendants were accused of were heinous and carried high penalties.

He said: “Notwithstanding that bail is a constitutional right guaranteed the accused persons, the presumption of innocence is not absolute. Bail is not easily granted in this kind of offences. So, bail is refused.

“The defendants shall be remanded at the Federal Prisons, Koton-Karfe, Kogi.”

The case was adjourned to  September  28 for mention.