The Federal High Court has fixed Thursday, September 17, for the re-arraignment of five men accused of taking part in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
The case relates to an incident in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, during which pupils and teachers were allegedly abducted.
The Federal Government has also accused the suspects of involvement in the subsequent deaths of two victims.
The prosecution is proceeding on the basis of a six-count amended charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo.
DSS Prosecution
The Department of State Services is handling the prosecution.
The five defendants have been identified as Mahmud Muhammad, Abubakar Abbas, Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani.
Authorities allege that the men are members of the Ansaru terrorist organisation.
However, the allegations are subject to determination by the court.
Dispute Over Legal Representation
The re-arraignment could not proceed as scheduled on Wednesday after the defendants raised concerns about their legal representation.
A representative of the Legal Aid Council had appeared for the five men.
But Mahmud Muhammad, speaking for the defendants, told the court that they preferred Bala Dakum, who had represented them previously.
He asked that Dakum be allowed to continue as their lawyer.
The prosecution did not oppose the request.
Oyedepo told the court that the right of the defendants to choose their lawyer was a constitutional matter that should be respected.
Judge Orders Access to Lawyer
Justice Salim Ibrahim subsequently postponed the re-arraignment until September 17.
The judge directed the defendants to contact their preferred lawyer and have him present in court for the next proceeding.
He also ordered the DSS to ensure that the accused persons have access to their lawyer so they can adequately prepare their defence.
The development means the five defendants are expected back in court on Thursday, when the Federal Government is expected to proceed with the amended charges.
The case remains before the court, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty according to law.
