Update! Absence Of Co-Defendants Stall Fresh Arraignment Of Alleged Husband Killer, Maryam Sanda

The absence of co-defendants in the trial of Maryam Sanda, who allegedly stabbed her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, to death, stalled hearing in the case today.Mr. Bello was the son of a former Peoples Democratic Party chairman, Haliru Bello.

The names of the three co-defendants to be arraigned alongside Sanda before Justice Yusuf Halilu of FCT High Court, Jabi, were, however, not mentioned.

At the last court sitting on Nov. 24, the prosecuting counsel, James Idachaba, prayed the court to adjourn the matter to enable the filing of an amendment based on new facts. The filing of the amendment charge consequently brought in the other defendants.


The trial judge, therefore, said it was necessary to wait for the prosecution to bring the other defendants before further action could be taken on the matter.

Mr. Halilu said “I have listened to the defendant counsel, I will not grant her bail, all arguments about her bail application shall be taken together on Thursday, Dec. 14 when all other co-defendants will be brought to court.

“We must be very tidy, I am a judge with principle, the prosecution has enough time to encourage the sureties to look for other defendants; this is an amendment charge’ you must make extra effort to get other defendants arraigned before me.

“In the meantime, the defendant should be taken back to Suleja prison.”

NAN