The Police Command in Benue, on Thursday, docked five persons for alleged criminal conspiracy, attempted murder, abduction and terrorism.
The defendants are Ushahemba Ikyulaga, Godwin Bee, Thomas Ikyumba, Donald Anande and Samuel Iorchir.
They appeared before a Makurdi Upper Area Court.
The prosecutor, Insp Veronica Shaagee, told the court that the case was reported at DZ Section, SCID Makurdi.
The case was reported by one Mr Terhemba Kyado of Tse-Agena, Mbaivur, Gwer-East LGA, and dated Jan.16.
Shaagee said that, on Jan. 13, a 30-armed gang, led by Ikyulaga invaded the residence of the complaint’s father, Mr Justine Kyado, at Ikpayongo, Gwer-East LGA and abducted him.
She said that the armed men also set their victim ablaze with the intent to kill him, but the Police rescued him.
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The prosecutor added that the victim sustained injuries and the Police took him to the Federal Medical Center, Makurdi.
She alleged that during investigations, the Police arrested the suspects and they confessed to the crime.
Shaagee said the alleged offences contravened Sections 97 and 230 of the Penal Code, Laws of Benue State, 2004.
The offences also contravene Sections 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.
Hwande adjourned the case until March 7 for mention.
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