The prosecution of more than 300 suspected looters and arsonists in Plateau state has commenced.
They were accused of looting, criminal trespass and inciting public disturbance, among other charges.
The suspects were arrested in different parts of Jos and the Bukuru metropolis between Saturday and Sunday and were moved to the Bassa Local Government Area on Wednesday for arraignment.
They were arraigned one after the other at Jebbu Bassa Area Court before several judges including Justices N S Dashe, Adar Roseline Baraje, and L B Longs as well as Lawal Sulaiman, among others.
In all the cases brought before the judges, the prosecutors from the state Ministry of Justice told the court that the accused persons committed the offences against the state and should be prosecuted according to the law.
But the defence counsels pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy for the accused persons, particularly as they were first offenders.
