The suspected pirates are Frank Abaka, Jude Ebaragha, Shina Alolo, Joshua Iwiki, David Akinseye, Ahmed Toyin, Shobajo Saheed, Adekole Philip, Matthew Masi, and Bright Agbedeyi.
The government’s counsel, Laraban Magaji, alleged that the defendants committed the offence last May on international waters off Abidjan, the capital of Cote D’Ivoire. Each defendant pleaded not guilty, following which trial commenced and the prosecution called its first three witnesses.At the resumption of yesterday’s proceedings, Magaji called the government’s 4th witness, Danladi Aliyu, a Chief Superintendent of Police.Following Aliyu’s testimony and discharge from the witness box, the prosecutor told the judge that the government was satisfied with its evidence and exhibits against the defendants.