Charged before a Makurdi Magistrate Court by the Benue State Police Command were five men for alleged criminal activities including conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, and terrorism.
Following a tip-off from the locals in Mbachigi Ward of Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, the suspects were apprehended.
Considered to be part of a notorious armed gang known as Konyo, the suspects were taken into custody at the Makurdi Correctional Centre.
The individuals remanded were Terhile Iorkaana, Lanshima Orkunde, Msendoo Faasema, Nancy Shima, and Mngusuun Hilega.
The Police prosecutor, ASP Stella Ngbede, informed the court that the accused were nabbed by the Operation Zenda Tactical Team under the leadership of Inspector Amile Joseph.
It was mentioned that on April 12, the suspects obstructed the Ayati-Zaki Biam road, robbing motorists of their possessions.
Furthermore, they kidnapped Mgbaga Tese, a driver, and demanded a ransom of N10 million through a specified phone number.
Upon receiving information about the criminals’ location, Operation Zenda intervened, leading to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of five mobile phones and a 5.5.6x39mm live ammunition.
Ngbede disclosed that the arrested individuals admitted to their involvement in the crime during police interrogation, while others involved are still on the run.
She added that investigations are ongoing, requesting the court to set a future date for the case mention.
Citing violations of the Robbery and Firearms Special Provisions Act 2004 under Sections 6(b) and 1(1)(2)(a)(b), Ngbede emphasized the seriousness of the offence.
The Magistrate, Mrs. Eunice Ndayaryo, declined to take the plea due to a lack of jurisdiction, decreeing their detention at the Makurdi Correctional Centre until further investigations are concluded.