Police in Gombe, northeast Nigeria have arraigned 15 suspects (comprising 14 males and a female) arrested in connection with the violence in Billiri.
Police Spokesperson in Gombe, SP. Mary Malum said, the suspects were arraigned on Tuesday before the Chief Magistrate Court 6, Gombe.
“We have taken them to court… they are 15 in number,” she said.
The First Information Report (FIR), sighted by AFRICA PRIME NEWS shows that the suspects were being charged for Joint act, criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, mischief by fire, causing grievous hurt, attempted culpable, and culpable homicide.
The case has been adjourned to 9th March, but the suspects are remanded in prison custody.
Violence broke out in Billiri on Friday 19th February, leading to loss of lives and destruction of shops, residences and mosques. The government imposed a 24-hour curfew to restore peace in the LGA.
Earlier, on Wednesday 17th February, Tangale women went on peaceful protest over delay by Governor Inuwa Yahaya to announce the new paramount ruler of the Tangale people (Mai Tangle), alleging that the Governor was going to announce a candidate with a lower number of votes.
But on Friday the protest was hijacked by hoodlums, who went on to destroy business shops, and Muslim’s prayer houses.
On Monday 15th February, nine (9) kingmakers of the Tangale kingdom voted for a new chief. The result shows, Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba securing 5 votes, while Mr. Ahmed Magaji and Mr. Danladi M. scoring 2 votes each.
The governor is yet to approve and announce the winner, but there are calls on the Governor, by various groups, within and outside Nigeria, to respect the wishes of the people by announcing the winner of the election.
