Police arraign okada riders found in robbers' den

Two motorcyclists, Musa Badamasi and Yusuf Ibrahim, on Tuesday appeared in a Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada, Nasarawa State, for allegedly belonging to a gang of robbers.

Badamasi, 28 and Ibrahim, 23, of Orange Market, Mararaba, were arraigned on a three-count charge of belonging to gang of robbers, public nuisance and making atmosphere noxious to health.

The Prosecutor, Corporal Friday Adaji, told the court that on May 20, a team of police surveillance squad led by Sergeant Joseph Emeka, attached to ‘A’ Divisional Police Headquarters, Mararaba, arrested the defendants.

Adaji said that while the police were on patrol, the defendants were found at a hideout at Orange Market, Mararaba, often been used by armed robbers.

He said they were found consuming dangerous substances and were said to have belonged to a syndicate that terrorises Mararaba and its environs with motorcycles.

Adaji added that investigation conducted revealed that the defendants were unable to give satisfactory account of themselves and that they were suspected hoodlums terrorising Mararaba.

He said the offences contravened Sections 306, 198 and 192 of the Penal Code.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The presiding officer, Mr Albert Maga, admitted each of the defendants to bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety each in like sum.

Maga said the surety must have means of livelihood, reside within the jurisdiction of the court, and adjourned the case till June 6 for further hearing.