Benue farmer remanded over alleged abduction, trafficking of teenager

By Onyeje Abutu-Joel

A 38-year-old Benue farmer, Aondowase Bebeshi, has been remanded in Markurdi prison over alleged abduction and trafficking of a 14-year-old boy.

Bebeshi, who resides opposite Township Hall, in Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue, is standing trial on charges of abduction and child trafficking.

In the charge, the prosecutor Insp Jonah Uletu alleged that the defendant had taken the teenager, from Jato-Aka to Benin City, without his father’s consent.

He alleged that the incident was reported on Oct. 8, at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Jato-Aka, by the child’s father one Mr Terfa Maya.

He said the complainant reported that his 14-year-old son had left home for Holy Family Secondary School, Jato-Aka, on Oct 14, 2024, but never returned home.

The complainant said all efforts to trace his son’s whereabouts proved abortive until it was eventually uncovered that the defendant had taken the boy to Benin City.

He alleged that further efforts to persuade the defendant to return his child also proved abortive.

According to him, the defendant was eventually arrested by the police and during investigation, he voluntarily confessed to the offence.

The offences contravene the provisions of section 13 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition), Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015 and 274 of the Penal Code Law of Benue, 2004.

When the case was called, the plea of Bebeshi was not taken for lack of jurisdiction.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr W.A Orgba consequently, ordered a remand of the defendant at the Makurdi Correctional Service pending legal advice.

He adjourned the case until Nov 16, for mention.

(NAN)

ONA/UNS