Attack on Referees: Judge ordered three fans reminded in prison

.Adjourn case till August 31

By Taofeek Babalola

An Upper Sharia Court No 1 sitting in Bauchi, on Tuesday ordered that the three suspects Mohammed Isa 25 years, Hamisu Mohammed 30 years and Yola Ishaya 27 years be reminded in prison custody till August 31 for further hearing on their case. 

The trio were docked for alleged attacked on referees Odey Benjamin and Bose Momoh during and after Sunday’s matchday 33 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) between Wikki Tourists and Rangers International FC of Enugu at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi.

The suspects 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 the 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 offence. He also argued that the Police were still awaiting the First Info

rmation 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 August 31st.

Speaking on the development, Wikki Tourists media officer, Bala Kurba said: “Well, our club is known for peace and good sportsmanship. We won’t condone any act of violence in any form so any fan culpable should be judiciously punished.”