Prosecution seeks transfer of Bamaiyi from SSS to prison

Akeem NAfiu, Lagos - 17.01.2008

Indications emerged on Wednesday that Lt. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, the former chief of army staff currently standing trial over alleged complicity in the attempted murder of the publisher of The Guardian Newspaper, Mr. Alex Ibru, might be transfered from the custody of the State Security Services(SSS) where he currently stays to prison custody.

This followed an application brought by Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Bola Okiki-olu Ighile, seeking the order of the court to that effect.

Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that the transfer plan was at the instance of the SSS. It was gathered that the SSS had complained that it could no longer keep General Bamaiyi in its custody.

However, the prosecution has objected the no-case submission made by the defence counsel, Mr. Osahon Idemudia, with a call on the court to dismiss the application and immediately order the accused person to come forward with his defence against the four-count charge levelled against him.