SUSPECTED mastermind of the 2011 Christmas Day bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madala, Niger State, Mr. Kabiru Umar, alias Kabiru Sokoto, Friday pleaded ‘not guilty’ to an amended two-count charge bordering on terrorism slammed against him by the State Security Service (SSS).

Umar, who was arraigned before the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, spoke through an interpreter having claimed not to understand English Language.

He pleaded not guilty as the counts of the charge were interpreted to him in Hausa language.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola adjourned the commencement of trial to May 2, 6 and 9, this year, and directed Umar’s lawyer, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu to front load every material document, as well as list of defence witnesses, required for his client’s defence.

Justice Ademola also directed him to serve the prosecutor, Ms. Chioma Odimegwu before the next adjourned date.

He further directed that the alleged terrorist be remanded in Kuje Prison to enable his lawyers have unfettered access to him for the preparation of his defence.

The court further took notice of Umar’s wife and two young children who were in court to catch a glimpse of their father whom they had not seen since his arrest and detention at the SSS facility, and ordered that the prison authority should grant his immediate family access to visitations.

The accused person was alleged to have facilitated the commission of a terrorist act by planning and encouraging his boys who are said to be at large, at Mabira Sokoto in Sokoto State, with the intention to bomb the Police Headquarters in the state between 2007 and 2012.
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