25-year-old man remanded over alleged cattle robbery in Benue

By Onyeje Abutu-Joel

A Magistrate’s Court in Makurdi on Wednesday, remanded a 25-year-old man, Shaibu Usman, for alleged robbery of 16 cattle valued at N15 million.

Usman who lives in Ekwerege, Ado Local Government Area of Benue, was charged with criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and acts of terrorism.

His plea was however not taken when the case was mentioned, for want of jurisdiction.

The Magistrate, Mrs Erdoo Ter, ordered that the accused be remanded at the Correctional Service Centre, Makurdi, and adjourned the case until Oct. 27 for further mention.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Godwin Ato, told the court that the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi, from the Police Divisional Headquarters, Ado, Igumale.

He said the matter was transferred through a letter dated Sept. 7, and addressed to the state Commissioner of Police.

Ato alleged that on May 15, Monday Enoh and Joseph Enoh were at a place known as Table Water Riverside, along Agedagba Forest, Utonkon, with 16 cattle.

According to him, about seven armed herders, allegedly led by Usman, also known as ‘Mobey’, attacked the complainants.

The prosecutor also alleged that the suspects ordered the complainants to lie face down and tortured them.

He further alleged that the attackers dispossessed the complainants of their valuables, including 16 large cattle valued at N15 million.

Ato said police investigation led to the arrest of the accused, who admitted committing the offences, while other suspects were still at large.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 6(b), 1(1) and 1(2)(a)(b) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, 2004, and Section 4(2) of the Abduction, Hostage-Taking, Kidnapping, Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Law of Benue, 2017.(NAN)

Edited by Wandoo Sombo/Deborah Coker