Navy Arraign Nine Suspects in Connection with Sea Piracy

Nine suspects have been arraigned at Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, in the case between Federal Republic of Nigeria against Binaebi Johnson and nine others. The suspects who pleaded not guilty were arraigned on seven count charges bordering on piracy, kidnapping, illegal possession of fire arms, terrorism among others. While the prosecutor identified the offences charged against the defendants as serious, the defence council sought for bail for the accused on minimal and liberal terms based on health conditions. After taking written and oral submissions from both parties, the trial Judge Mohammed Sani of the Federal High Court Port Harcourt adjourned the matter for continuation of trials but reminded the defendants in Port Harcourt Correctional Center. Speaking to journalists outside the court, the prosecutor Labaran Magaji from the department of Public Prosecution noted that piracy and kidnapping form security threats to the nation. However, the defence lawyer Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu SAN, who expressed displeasure that her clients were not, granted bail maintained that the cases are bailable. Mrs. Akeredolu insisted that there is no substantial evidence to the accusations. Nigerian Navyship Pathfinder arrested the suspects for allegedly facilitating the payment of two hundred thousand Dollars as ransom to pirates for the release of hostages off the coast of Equatorial Guinea.