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GENERAL ALKALI: Epic battle begins as 120 lawyers line up to defend 19 suspects
The trial of the 19 suspects arraigned for the murder of former Director of Administration of the Nigerian Army, General Mohammed Alkali, promises to be an epic battle, as over 120 lawyers, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) have expressed their interest in defending them.
The lawyer to the accused persons, Gyang Zi, disclosed this after filling for their bail on Wednesday before Justice Daniel Longji of the Plateau State High Court.
It would be recalled that the suspects had pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned on two count charges of conspiracy and culpable homicide.
Zi said: “Over 120 lawyers want to be part of the team to defend the accused. They are yet to be granted bail, but the bail application has just been filed. The accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges”.
Read also: Herdsmen abduct four Reverend Fathers in Delta
The suspects were arraigned on criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide counts.
It was gathered they were charged with two offences – criminal conspiracy under Section 97 and culpable homicide under Section 221 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria as applicable to Plateau State. They all took their pleas and pleaded not guilty. The case was adjourned till December 10 for argument on their bail application.
They have been remanded in Jos prison.
It would be recalled that General Alkali, who retired few weeks earlier, was declared missing on September 3, a day after gunmen invaded Dura-Du community in Jos South Local Government Area and killed no fewer than 13 persons.
His remains were later found at an abandoned well in the area.
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