A lawmaker representing Katsina Alla West State Constituency at the Benue State House of Assembly, Jonathan Agbidyeh, was on Friday remanded in a correctional centre for alleged armed robbery and abduction.
Magistrate Isaac Ajim of the Makurdi Chief Magistrate Court remanded the All Progressive Congress (APC) member who represents Katsina Alla West State Constituency in Benue State House of Assembly.
Agbidyeh was arraigned at Chief Magistrate Court and was remanded alongside one Denen Zuamo of Katsina Alla town.
Police Prosecutor, Fidelis Ogbobe, told the court that on May 22, 2018, a Toyota Hilux van with registration number SWA-215-FM with other valuables belonging to Apin Public Health Initiatives was snatched at gunpoint along Katsina-ala – Tordonga road in Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue State to an unknown destination and later released.
He said during Police investigation, Hon. Agbidye and Mr Zuamo of Katsina-Ala township were arrested with the said vehicle which had been re-registered as MKD-992-AD in Makurdi, Benue State.
Mr Ogbobe said, further investigation by the police revealed that Hon. Agbidye, Zuamo and others now at large who belong to a gang of armed robbers and terrorists headed by the notorious and wanted kingpin, Terwase Akwaza alias ‘Ghana’ conspired and snatched, robbed and abducted the staff of Apin Public Health Initiatives.
He said the accused persons committed an offence contrary to section 1(2) A and B and section 6(b) of the Robbery and Fire Arms(Special Provisions) Act, 2004, and Hostage, Kidnapping, Secret Cult and Similar Activities Law of Benue State, 2017.
No plea was taken for want of jurisdiction.
The Police prosecuting counsel told the court that investigation into the matter was still on and asked the court for another date to enable the police to complete their investigation.
Counsel to the accused persons, Barrister Terhemen Oscar Aorabe did not oppose the application for another date, but however informed the court that he will formally file an application for the bail of his client on another date.
The trial Magistrate, Isaac Ajim ordered that the duo of Agbidyeh and Zuamo be remanded at the Federal Correctional Center, Makurdi and adjourned the case to October 12, 2020, for further mention.