By Ndahi Marama

MAIDUGURI—ANOTHER set of 18 suspected members of the Boko Haram sect, who allegedly participated in the July 2009 sectarian crisis in Maiduguri, were yesterday remanded  in prison custody by Wulari Chief Magistrate Court five, presided over by Chief Magistrate Waziri Mohammed.

The Borno State Police Command Public Relations Officer, PPRO, ASP Isa Azare, said the suspects were arrested last week at various locations in the state capital, but declined to comment whether they were carrying weapons.

When the case came up for mention, lead prosecuting counsel deployed from  the Borno State Ministry of Justice, Bukar Bundi told the court that the suspects were being arraigned on a 10-count charge of criminal conspiracy, joint act, inciting disturbance, membership of unlawful assembly and joint assembly armed with deadly weapons.

Other charges, according to the prosecutor, were voluntary causing grievous hurt to deter public servant from his duty, mischief committed after preparation made for causing death or grievous hurt, mischief by fire, culpable homicide and treason. All, he said, are contrary to Sections 96, 79, 80, 102 and 103, 252 and 221 of the Penal Code and Sections 24, 410 and 415 of Federal Province Act of Northern Nigeria of 1964.

Although the accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the charges, Bundi however prayed the court to remand them in prison custody to enable him gather more facts on the case.