Sokoto murder: 34 lawyers rise to defend suspects in Deborah murder
By Tajudeen Disu
More that 30 lawyers have signified their intention to defend two suspected men arrested for setting ablaze a student, Deborah Samuel.
On Monday, Police in Sokoto, the Sokoto State capital arraigned the suspects amidst tight security.
The two suspects, Bilyaminu Aliyu and Aminu Hukunci were arrested by the police linked with the stoning to death and later burning of Deborah Samuel.
The Shehu Shagari College of Education student was accused of blasphemy.
They appeared at the Sokoto Chief Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The accused persons also pleaded not guilty to the crime.
Police Inspector Musa Khali told the Sokoto Court that the murder of the lady was being investigated.
The trial Judge asked that the suspects be remanded in correctional centres.
The 34 legal practitioners were led by Mansur Ibrahim.
They applied for bail for the suspects.
The defence lawyers cited sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law.
Deborah was stoned to death by fanatics. He was then burnt. His father Garba Emmanuel said he paid 120,000 to take home her burnt daughter for burial saying that authorities were yet to reach him after the incidence
The attack has been condemned by the Sultan of Sokoto Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar while the State Governor Aminu Tambuwal imposed a curfew urging residents to be calm and operate within the ambit of the law.
