By Moses Gbande
A Jos high court has fixed 19th November, 2021 for ruling on application for bail of the Nine (9) accused persons alledged to have killed commuters who were on board frm Bauchi to Akure and missed their way to Rukuba road in Jos North local government Plateau State.
When the matter came up for hearing on Wednesday, 13th October, 2021, the prosecuting Counsel Barr. NP Tali told the court that the matter was for the ruling on application and continuation of hearing.
The prosecuting Counsel further told justice Musa Ashom that the prosecution will not continue because one of the accused person who is a minor was not in court and cannot be prosecuted in absentia.
In quick response, the Counsel to the 1st-6th accused person who doubled as the chairman Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Plateau state chapter, Barrister Yakubu Bawa volunteered his car to facilitate the bringing of the accused Minor who is in the custody of the Young Peoples’ Home facility to the court.
As against the background, the presiding judge, justice Musa Ashom ordered that the case be stood down for an hour to enable the accused to be brought to court.
On the court resumption from an hour stand down , the Counsel to 1st-6th accused persons, moved the application for the accused persons bail and assured the court that his clients will always avail themselves throughout the trial and ruled out the fear that his clients may likely jump bail.
But the prosecuting counsel, NP Tali vehemently opposed the bail application moved by the defending counsel Yakubu Bawa on the ground that the offence is a capital one which if the accused persons are granted bail they are capable of posing risk to the society ,and setting bad presidence.
Justice Musa Ashom however adjourned the matter to the 19th day Nov, 2021 for ruling on the bail application and continuation of hearing. His Lordship , justice Musa Ashom ordered the accused persons and the minor to be remanded in the correctional center and Young Peoples’ Home respectively
Nasarawa Reporters 