THE SUSPECTS ARRIVING AT THE COURT MARTIAL THIS MORNING (PHOTOS: MICHAEL NTEZA/CHIMPREPORTS)

At least nine people, including five high ranking police officers were last month charged with kidnap and illegal extradition of Lt Joel Mutabazi, a former bodyguard of President Paul Kagame.

The suspects, according to sources, will today file a formal challenge against the charges brought against them relating to kidnapping a foreign national, contrary to Sec 242 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 120.

These, it is understood, will also challenge their trial by the military court.

The suspects are SCP Joel Aguma; SSP Nixon Agasirwe, Sgt Abel Tumukunde, ASP  James Magada and Faisal Katende.

Others are Benon Atwebembeire, Amon Kwarisiima, Rene Rutagungira and Bahati Mugenga.

Prosecution alleges accused persons, on 25th October 2013 at Kamengo in Mpigi district while in unlawful possession of guns and grenades, (a monopoly of UPDF) abducted Joel Mutabazi, a dissident bodyguard of Rwandan President Kagame.

During their first appearance on October 27, the suspects through their lawyers Evans Ochieng and Caleb Alaka asked to make objections to the jurisdiction of the Court Martial.

The lawyers also complained before the army court that the rights of their clients were infringed upon while in detention.