Also, preliminary investigations have established a more serious case of terrorism against the Lebanese suspects.
These revelations emerged in a
counter-affidavit filed by the SSS to oppose a suit before an Abuja
Federal High Court, in which the Lebanese are challenging their arrest
and detention.
The Lebanese joined the SSS, the
Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General of the Federation
and Minister of Justice as defendants in the suit in which they demanded
N50bn compensation, as well as an order restraining the defendants from
extraditing them without following due process.
But in a counter-affidavit filed by the
SSS, the security agency opposed the Lebanese application, and instead
advanced reasons why it should continue to hold onto the suspects.
It told the court that ongoing investigations into the activities of the Lebanese suspects had taken an international dimension.
There were also indications that the
Lebanese might face terrorism-related charges as the SSS in the
counter-affidavit, also informed the court that preliminary
investigations had established a terrorism case against them.
Part of the counter-affidavit read, “That preliminary investigation has established a more serious case of terrorism.
“That the investigation has assumed an
international dimension and sophistication requiring time and advanced
expertise to conclude.”
The SSS insisted that the suspects were members of the Hezbollah military wing, an international terrorist organisation.
The security agency further told the
court that “some of the suspects are currently at large,” stressing that
a premature release of the suspects would jeopardise the
investigations.
The counter-affidavit also disclosed
that prohibited firearms and other incriminating items were discovered
in Fawaz’s residences at Wonderland Amusement Park, Abuja, and 58
Adetokumbo Ademola Street, Wuse 2, Abuja, while the sum of $61,170 was
found on Tahini when he was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano
International Airport, Kano, on his way to Egypt en route Lebanon.
In the same vein, the SSS faulted the
Lebanese claim that they were arrested and detained without being taken
to court, arguing that the suspects had already been arraigned before a
Magistrate’s Court in Karu, a town on the outskirts of the Federal
Capital Territory.
Meanwhile, the suspects were produced
before an Abuja Federal High Court on Thursday, in compliance with an
order made by the presiding judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, on Monday,
June 10, 2013.
Justice Ademola had made the order following an ex parte motion brought by counsel for the Lebanese suspects, Chief Robert Clarke, SAN.
Hearing of the suit in which the
suspects asked the court to enforce their fundamental rights was slated
for Thursday, but the hearing could not proceed as the counter-affidavit
was only served on the Lebanese on Thursday morning.
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