By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
A notorious illegal checkpoint mastermind, Mr Terngu Akawe Agerzua, of Akerior town in Utange Ward, Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State has been reportedly remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Center Makurdi, by a Magistrate Court, sitting in Makurdi.
The Suspect who was arrested by the operatives of the Police, after evading several attempts, was arraigned before a Magistrate Court over criminal conspiracy, illegal blocking of Federal High Way, armed robbery among other charges, where he and others were forcefully dispossessing unsuspecting motorists of their money and other valuables using dangerous weapons.
The Presiding Magistrate ordered that the Suspect be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Center Makurdi, while the case has been adjourned to the 29t of February, 2024 for further mention.
Meanwhile, the Acting Executive Chairman of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service, BIRS, Mr Emmanuel Agema, while reacting to the arrest of Mr Agerzua, Implored both Traditional and community leaders, as well as stakeholders of Utange to caution the youths in the area against mounting illegal roadblocks on the highway and extorting money from motorists, stressing that the service under his watch has zero tolerance for criminals operating illegal roadblocks in the state.
In a statement by the Media Assistant to the Chairman, BIRS, Jacinta Bernard, quoted her Boss as restating his commitment towards supporting the Police to arrest and prosecute anybody found operating illegally on the highway to serve as a deterrent to others.
