Assault on match officials: Three fans remanded in Bauchi prison

By Our Reporter

JUSTICE L Yakubu of the Upper Sharia Court No 1 on Tuesday remanded in prison custody the three suspects involved in the attack of match officials during and after the matchday 33 fixture of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) between Wikki Tourist and Rangers International which ended 1-1 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi.

The suspects, Mohammed Isa (35), Hamisu Mohammed (30) and Yola Ishaya aka Chara (24) 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 he 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 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.

Recalled that FIFA referee, Bose Momoh sustained a serious injury to her eye after she was allegedly attacked with a stone by a suspected home fan who felt aggrieved by the officiating in the match.

Wikki Tourist fans had claimed that the centre referee Benjamin Odey and his assistant (Momoh) were biased against the hosts.