Businessman remanded over alleged armed robbery in Benue

A Makurdi Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday ordered the remand of a businessman, Egede Patrick, over allegations of conspiracy and armed robbery.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Ajuma Igama, declined to take Patrick’s plea on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction. She directed that he be remanded at the Makurdi Correctional Centre and adjourned the case to October 6 for further mention.

According to the Police Prosecutor, Insp. Inedu Friday, the accused was arrested by operatives of Operation Zenda during a raid in Makurdi, following credible intelligence.

He said the operation, led by Corporal Lubem Shiaondo, uncovered that Patrick and his gang had been snatching motorcycles from their owners and reselling them.

“When police stormed their hideout in Makurdi, the accused was arrested and confessed to the crime, while others fled to an unknown destination,” the prosecutor told the court.

Friday added that investigations are still ongoing and prayed the court for more time to conclude the case.

The offences, he noted, contravene Section 6 (b), 1 (1)(2)(a)(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, 2004, and Section 310 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue State.