Two charged with terror attack
Terror suspect Nassir Abdallah Ali Sikanda appears in court on 12th May 2014. Mr Ahmed Abdallah Ali Skanda and Mr Nassir Abdallah Ali Skanda allegedly detonated an improvised explosive device and damaged property on May 3, a Mombasa court was told. The prosecution claimed that the accused, who were arrested last Friday, had concealed the explosive in two T-shirts contained in a bag. PHOTO/KEVIN ODIT
What you need to know:
- The prosecution claimed that the accused, who were arrested last Friday, had concealed the explosive in two T-shirts contained in a bag.
- Mr Kiprop told the court that the suspects were dangerous and if granted bail, they could flee and be out of the court’s jurisdiction.
- However, lawyer Dennis Mabeya, for the second accused, opposed the application, terming the State submission as speculative and unsubstantiated.
Two men were yesterday accused of committing a terrorism act at Reef Beach Hotel in Kisauni, Mombasa County.
Mr Ahmed Abdallah Ali Skanda and Mr Nassir Abdallah Ali Skanda allegedly detonated an improvised explosive device and damaged property on May 3, a Mombasa court was told.
The prosecution claimed that the accused, who were arrested last Friday, had concealed the explosive in two T-shirts contained in a bag.
In an affidavit sworn by an investigation officer, police claimed Mr Ali and Mr Abdallah were closely linked to powerful Al-Shabaab members and asked the court not to free them on bail.
Senior prosecution counsel Peter Kiprop asked chief magistrate Maxwell Gicheru to order their detention for 90 days to allow the police to complete investigations.
CROSS-BORDER INVESTIGATION
“One of the investigating officers has sworn an affidavit opposing any application for the two to be released on bail. He has indicated that they will interfere with investigations and witnesses,” he said.
Mr Kiprop told the court that the suspects were dangerous and if granted bail, they could flee and be out of the court’s jurisdiction.
“The nature of the investigations are trans-border and complex. Investigators are required to cross to Somalia to gather evidence,” he added.
However, lawyer Dennis Mabeya, for the second accused, opposed the application, terming the State submission as speculative and unsubstantiated.
“I urge this court to reject the prosecution’s submission. The alleged offence is bailable and under the supreme law of the land the second accused has constitutional right to be released on bond,” said Mr Mabeya.
The magistrate will rule on application today.
Meanwhile, police are investigating a Tanzanian and Somalian over terror links.
The two were arrested on Friday by immigration officials in a crackdown on illegal immigrants.
The prosecution yesterday asked Mr Gicheru to allow them until today to prosecute the two.
“They are also being investigated on terrorism and we ask the court to allow us until tomorrow (today) for plea,” he added.
REACTION
Prosecution opposes bail
“The nature of the investigations are trans-border and complex. Investigators are required to cross to Somalia to gather evidence”
Senior prosecution counsel Peter Kiprop
“The alleged offence is bailable and under the supreme law of the land the second accused has constitutional right to be released on bond”
Lawyer Dennis Mabeya
