The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Ekerete Akpan, has ordered the remand of 109 foreign nationals in Kuje and Suleja correctional facilities.
The suspects, who face allegations of involvement in activities threatening national security and high-level cybercrimes, including hacking, were arrested during a coordinated raid in Abuja’s Jahi area on November 3, 2024.
The suspects were reportedly using sophisticated computer devices to facilitate criminal activities. Following their arrest, they were initially held at a police facility, which their legal representatives deemed unsuitable for the number of detainees.
During Friday’s court session, counsel for the defendants, Ogwu Onoja, highlighted the need for interpreters to assist non-English speaking suspects during the proceedings. Additionally, procedural setbacks, including misrepresentation of names on the charge sheet and issues with legal representation, delayed the suspects’ arraignment.
Addressing the submissions, Justice Akpan adjourned the case to November 29, 2024, for arraignment.
“The police facility where the suspects are being detained is inadequate to accommodate them,” Onoja stated, urging the court to transfer the detainees to proper correctional facilities.
The court granted this request and ordered the transfer of the suspects to Kuje and Suleja prisons, pending their arraignment on the adjourned date.
