By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Benue State Police Command has arraigned three suspects, Mr Monday Adejo, James Ija and Oche Idoko all based in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State over alleged act of terrorism, conspiracy among others at the Chief Magistrate Court Makurdi.
The Prosecuting Police Officer, Inspector Rachel Mchieve informed the court that on the 2nd of November, 2021, Mr Martin Chizoba of Oukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area reported to the Police that he received a phone call in September from a strange number which threatened him to pay the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand naira or he will be kidnapped.
According to the Officer, the complainant out of fear paid the sum of eighty thousand naira to the caller as he was directed after another person texed that if he fail to provide the money as demanded he will be murdered.
He hinted that on the 29th October, 2021, the caller directed him to a mango three close to Methodist Church, Ahogbo to pay the ransom he was asked to pay but luck ran out of them when the trio were apprehended by the police in connection with the crime.
The Prosecuting Police Officer noted that investigation into the aforementioned matter was still in progress and he asked for more time.
Counsel to the first suspect, Mr A. Sule applied for the bail of his client which the the Magistrate, Hembadoon Gbasha granted at the sum of one hundred thousand naira and one surety at equal amount.
She ordered the two other suspects to be remanded at the Correctional facility Makurdi. The case has been adjourned to the 20th of January, 2022 for continuation.
