Kaduna Based Journalist On Crutches Remanded In Prison

A Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kaduna has remanded a former reporter with Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Luka Binniyat, to the Kaduna Maximum prison over allegation of false publication brought before it by Governor Nasir el-Rufa’I.

Luka, who had some health challenges, appeared at the court on Wednesday on crutches and was sent to Kaduna prison by Justice Bashir Sukola despite appeals from Barr. James Kanyip, counsel to the journalist.

Justice Sukola said the Binniyat should be remanded in prison custody till July 20, 2017 for ruling on the application of bail filed by counsel to the defendant.

El-Rufa’I had dragged the Binniyat to court on two count charge over a publication in the Vanguard Newspapers of alleged killing of five students of the College of Education Gidan-Waya published on January 22, 2017.

Curiously, Vanguard Newspapers was not joined in the suit filed by the governor.

Binniyat is being charged for breach of public peace and injurious falsehood punishable under sections 114 and 393 of the penal code of Kaduna State.

The journalist, who has been sacked by Vanguard Newspapers, pleaded not guilty to the charges and the case was adjourned to July 20, 2017 for ruling on the bail application.