A Minna Chief Magistrate Court has discharged and acquitted 26 individuals who were standing trial for criminal conspiracy and belonging to a gang of thieves.
The suspects were arraigned by the Niger State Police Command in October 2024.
Their alleged offense was punishable under sections 97 and 306 of the penal code.
However, the prosecution failed to proceed with the case, prompting the defense team to request the court to discharge the defendants.
The defense team, led by Barrister Abubakar Sadiq Ma’aji, had requested the court to discharge the defendants, citing “lack of diligent prosecution”.
The Presiding Chief Magistrate, Hajiya Ummul Katume Mohammed, subsequently discharged the 26 defendants, citing the provisions of Section 191 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act Law (ACJA), Niger State, 2021.