Three football fans suspected to be involved in the attack on football referees in Nigeria’s top division, NPFL, were on Tuesday remanded by an Upper Sharia Court in Bauchi, North Eastern Nigeria.
Justice L Yakubu of the No 1 Court remanded the three suspects who were arrested after the attack which left match officials in the Match Day 33 fixture between Wikki Tourist and current league champions Rangers with severe wounds.
The suspects, Mohammed Isa, Hamisu Mohammed and Yola Ishaya alias Chara were pleaded not guilty after they were arraigned before the Judge and asked for bail.
Counsel for the three accused, Barrister MH Lawan had made a bail application but opposing their application, the Prosecutor, Sgt. Lano Salihu urged the court to dismiss the application on three grounds including the real possibility that they may jump bail and commit similar offense.
Salihu also argued that the Police were still awaiting the First Information Report from the victims who are based in Abuja on the nature of injuries.
In his ruling, Justice L Yakubu agreed with the prayers of the prosecutor and directed that the three accused be kept in prison. He adjourned the case to the August 31st.
The suspects will be the second set of football thugs charged before a court for violent conduct following similar arraignments in Kano.
Sunday’s game was held up for close to 50 minutes at half time after Assistant Referee Bosede Momoh and centre referee Benjamin Odey were hit with missiles from the crowd. Scores at half time was 1-1, which eventually became the full time scores.
