By Time Nigeria
For lack of sufficient evidence that can lead to prosecution and possible conviction of the suspected members of the dreaded Boko Haram, about 475 suspects have regained their freedom after they were released by the Nigerian government.
The release order was issued on Friday, with the 475 suspects to be returned to their home states for “proper rehabilitation” before being sent back to their families, ministry spokesman Salihu Othman Isah said.
“Over the course of the week, hundreds of suspected Boko Haram extremists have appeared before a court at the Kainji military base in central Niger state.”
Isah said they had been arrested on grounds that they either belonged to Boko Haram, or had concealed information about the group’s plans or its members’ whereabouts.
“However, the Prosecution Counsel could not charge them with any offence due to lack of sufficient evidence against them. Therefore, the suspects were released.”
