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Suspected rioters arraigned

Some 180 people arrested in two-days of riots last week in the northern Nigerian city of Kaduna were arraigned on Tuesday, news organisations reported.

No pleas were taken at the two magistrate courts but the accused were indicted with criminal conspiracy, rioting, illegal possession of locally made pistols, causing death and arson, ‘The Guardian’ newspaper of Lagos reported. They have been remanded in prison until June when their cases will be heard.

The two days of riots last week left more than 100 people dead, according to various sources. Over 1,000 homes were razed, AFP reported.

There had been no arraignments after a spate of sectarian riots in Kaduna in February. “This time around, instant justice will be carried out and those found guilty will be punished,” Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, the Kaduna State governor, was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the 12-hour curfew imposed last week in the city was reduced on Tuesday to nine hours - from 22:00 to 07:00 hrs local time.


This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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