A Makurdi Chief Magistrate’s Court, on Friday, remanded a member of the Benue State House of Assembly, representing Kastina Ala West, Jonathan Agbidye, in prison custody for alleged criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and abduction.
Agbidye, representing his constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was brought before Chief Magistrate Isaac Ajim, who remanded him alongside one Denen Zuamo of Katsina-ala town for the alleged offence.
Police prosecutor, Fidelis Ogbobe, told the court that on May 22, 2018, a Toyota Hilux van with registration number SWA-215-FM and 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.
The court also heard that during Police investigation, Agbidye and Zuamo of Katsina-ala township were arrested with the said vehicle which has been re-registered as MKD-992-AD in Makurdi, Benue State.
The prosecution further revealed that investigation by the police showed that Agbidye, Zuamo, and others now at large conspired and belong to a gang of armed robbers and terrorists headed by the notorious and wanted kingpin, Terwase Akwaza alias ‘Ghana’ who snatched, robbed and abducted the staff of Apin Public Health Initiatives.
The accused persons, according to prosecution, 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.
When the case came up, no plea was however 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.
But counsel to the accused persons, Barrister Terhemen Oscar Aorabe, who did not oppose the application for another date, however, informed the court that he will formally file and apply for the bail of his client on another date.
The trial Magistrate, Ajim, adjourned the case till October 12, 2020 for further mention while the duo were conveyed to a federal custodial facility in Makurdi.
