Police arraign 2 persons for alleged kidnapping

Two persons, Timbee Shija, 24 and Sunday Matthew, 17, were on Friday arraigned in a Makurdi Magistrate’s Court for criminal conspiracy and kidnap of a minor.

The Prosecutor, Cpl. Omaye Ujata, told the court that the case was transferred from 'D' Division Police Station, Makurdi, to the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID).

Ujata said that the case was transferred through a letter No: AR:3100/BNS/MKE/VOL.5/14

She said that one Michael Henkyaa, behind St. Augustine Catholic Church, Demekpe, Makurdi, reported the case at the D Division Police Station.

The prosecutor said the informant's son, Philip Saaonde, 4, was abducted from his house on Aug. 30 by unknown persons.

She said that the kidnappers later phoned and demanded two million naira ransom before they could release their victim.

The prosecutor said the accused persons, who were arrested during the police investigation, confessed committing the crime.

Ujata said that investigations into the matter was ongoing and applied for adjournment to enable her conclude it.

She said the offence contravened Sections 97 and 274 of the Penal Code.

The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Ibrahim Mohammed, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100, 000 each with one reasonable surety in the like sum.

Mohammed said the surety must be civil servant in the Benue State Civil Service from Grade Level 15 and above.

He adjourned the case till Nov. 18, for further mention.