By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Three men were arraigned before a Lokoja Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly setting up illegal roadblocks and extorting money from motorists along the Lokoja-Abuja highway.
The accused, Abbah Emmanuel, Umar Abubakar, and Kingsley Danasabe, pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal conspiracy and impersonating officials of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service.
Background of the Case
Police Prosecutor G. O. Itowo explained that on November 13, 2024, a vigilante group from Lokoja Local Government Area apprehended the suspects and handed them over to the police. The trio allegedly erected roadblocks under the guise of collecting revenue for the state.
The prosecutor stated that while bail is a constitutional right, the court should consider the larger societal interest when making its decision.
“Even though bail is a constitutional right of the suspects, your worship should consider the overall interest of the larger society and rule on the bail application judiciously,” Itowo said.
Defense Pleads for Bail
Counsel to the defendants, Muazu Abass, pleaded for bail on the grounds that the suspects had been in police custody since their arrest. He assured the court that the defendants would provide credible sureties to ensure their compliance with court directives.
“The defendants will furnish this court with reliable sureties who will ensure they are always in court whenever directed,” Abass argued, urging the court to grant bail in the interest of justice.
Bail Granted
After reviewing the arguments, Chief Magistrate Abdullahi Mopa granted bail to the defendants, setting conditions to ensure accountability.
The bail terms include:
- Sum of N400,000 each
- Sureties must be residents of Kogi State and employed as civil servants with a grade level of not less than GL 14.
- Sureties are required to provide recent passport photographs, valid identification cards, and verifiable home addresses.
The case was adjourned to December 11, 2024, for further mention.
This case highlights ongoing efforts to address illegal activities along major highways in Kogi State.
