BY Edith Onwubolu
An Abuja Federal High Court has declared Charles Okah, suspected mastermind of the October 1, 2010 twin bomb blasts at Eagle Square, Abuja, fit to stand trial.
Okah and Obi Nwabueze were arrested and charged with terrorism, in connection with the bombings.
Mr John Ainetor, Okah’s counsel, however, brought an application that Okah was mentally unfit to stand trial, urging the court to allow a private medical doctor to examine him.
The court ordered the conduct of a medical test on Okah at the National Hospital, Abuja, but Ainetor insisted on having a private doctor’s report in addition
Dr Alex Izinyon (SAN), prosecution counsel, urged the court to dismiss the application, describing it as an abuse of court process.
He argued that it was a ploy to delay the suit, which had yet to make any progress since 2010 when it was instituted.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Gabriel Kolawole held that Ainetor’s application was an abuse of court process, so he dismissed it.
“The request for a private medical evaluation of the accused person is an abuse of court process,” he said.
“Its aim is to ensure that the trial does not proceed. There is no merit in the applicant’s motion on notice, and it is hereby dismissed’.”
According to NAN, Kolawole ordered the remandment of the accused persons at Kuje Prisons, Abuja.
He said they should be produced in court for accelerated trial, and he adjourned the case to July 8 and 9, and October 7, 8 and 15.
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