I’m Not Shielding 10 Soldiers Involved in Wadume’s Case From Trial – Malami

Abubakar Malami, the Attorney-General of the Federation, has denied shielding from trial the 10 soldiers who allegedly rescued a suspected kidnap kingpin, Hamisu Bala, popularly known as Wadume, from a police team in Taraba State last year.
Malami gave an update on the case on Wednesday at the virtual Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The soldiers who were said to be under the command of Captain Tijjani Balarabe allegedly killed three policemen attached to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector-General of Police while rescuing Wadume.
There have been criticisms against Malami from some Nigerians after the name of the soldiers were removed from the list of suspects to be prosecuted in court.
But the AGF explained that contrary to the claims, the ministry is trying to ensure proper military processes are consummated where the soldiers are either court-martialed internally or handed over to the courts for trial.
“Those that are handy, for the purpose of prosecution, cannot just be held in custody for undue longer periods of time on account of the absence of the military.
“So, that is how the idea of severing the charge to allow those that are handy to stand their trial, arises.
“But that does not by any means, mean to say that the military are shielded, the military cannot be prosecuted. But then, if they have to be prosecuted, they have to be prosecuted within the context of the law,” Malami said.