A member of the Benue State House of Assembly, representing Katsina-Ala State Constituency, Hon. Jonathan Agbidye, has been ordered remanded in prison for alleged kidnapping, armed robbery and criminal conspiracy.
Justice Isaac Ajim handed down the order on Friday.
Ajim, of the Makurdi Chief Magistrate Court, remanded Agbidye, of the All Progressives Congress, alongside one other, Denen Zuamo, of Katsina-Ala town, for the alleged offences.
The police prosecutor, Fidelis Ogbobe, told the court that on May 22, 2018, a Toyota Hilux van with registration number SWA-215-FM and other valuables belonging to Apin Public Health Initiatives was snatched at gunpoint along Katsina-Ala-Tordonga Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state to an unknown destination.
Ogbobe said during police investigation, the duo was arrested with the said vehicle, with registration number: MKD-992-AD, in Makurdi.
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The prosecutor said a further investigation by the police revealed that Agbidye, Zuamo and others now at large allegedly belong to a gang of armed robbers and terrorists headed by the notorious and wanted kingpin, Terwase Akwaza, alias Ghana, who snatched, robbed and abducted the staff of Apin Public Health Initiatives.
He said the accused persons committed an offence contrary to Section 1(2) A and B and section 6(b) of the Robbery and Fire Arms (Special Provisions) Act, 2004, and Hostage, Kidnapping, Secret Cult and Similar Activities Law of Benue State, 2017.
The pleas of the accused were not takenas the court had no jurisdiction to hear the matter.
The prosecuting counsel told the court that investigation into the matter was still on.
Ogbobe asked the court for another date to enable the police to complete their investigation.
Counsel to the accused persons, Terhemen Oscar Aorabe, did not oppose the application for adjournment.
Aorabe told the court he will formally file and apply for the bail of his clients on another date.
The trial Magistrate adjourned the case to October 12, 2020 for further mention.
