The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) on Monday arraigned 10 suspected pirates for the hijack of a Chinese fishing vessel, FV Hai Lu Feng II, in international waters off Cote DโIvoire.
The defendants are: Frank Abaka, Jude Ebaragha, Shina Alolo, Joshua Iwiki, David Akinseye, Ahmed Toyin, Shobajo Saheed, Adekole Philip, Matthew Masi and Bright Agbedeyi.
They were charged on three counts before Justice Ayokunle Faji.
The government told the court that the defendants โwhile armed with weapons, committed an illegal act of violence against the crew on board FV Hai Lu Feng II belonging to Haina Fishing Company by putting them in fear in order to take control of the vessel.โ
Prosecution counsel Laraban Magaji said the incident occurred in May this year in international waters off Abidjan, Cote DโIvoire.
Magaji said it violated Section 3 of Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act, 2019 and was punishment under Section 2 of the same Act.
Each defendant pleaded not guilty.
While adjourning till July 15, 2020 for the hearing of the defendantsโ bail applications and commencement of trial, Justice Faji remanded them in the Nigerian Navyโs custody.
