Five persons Ushahemba Ikyulaga, Godwin Bee, Thomas Ikyumba, Donald Anande and Samuel Iorchir have been charged to court for alleged criminal conspiracy, attempted murder, abduction and terrorism.
The prosecutor, Insp Veronica Shaagee, told the Makurdi Upper Area Court the case was reported at DZ Section, SCID Makurdi, by one Mr Terhemba Kyado of Tse-Agena, Mbaivur, Gwer-East LGA, and dated Jan.16.
Shaagee recalled that on Jan. 13, gunmen numbering more than 30 and led by Ikyulaga invaded the residence of the complaint’s father, Mr Justine Kyado, at Ikpayongo, Gwer-East LGA, and abducted him.
She said the armed men also set their victim ablaze with the intent to kill him, but he was rescued by the police.
The prosecutor added that the victim sustained various degrees of injury and was admitted at the Federal Medical Center, Makurdi.
She said during a police investigation, the suspects were arrested and they confessed to the crime.
Shaagee said the alleged offences contravened Sections 97and 230 of the Penal Code, Laws of Benue State, 2004; and Section 3(2) and 4(2) of the Abduction, Hostage-Taking, Kidnapping, Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Laws of Benue State, 2017.
She said that investigation into the case was still ongoing, and requested for additional time to complete it.
The court did not take the pleas of the defendants for want of jurisdiction.
The Magistrate, Mr Vershima Hwande, ordered that they should be kept at the Federal Maximum Correctional Centre, Makurdi and adjourned the case until March 7 for mention
