16th October, 2018
A Makurdi Magistrates’ Court in Benue, on Tuesday, ordered the remand of a 30-year-old civil servant, Tivlumun Sule, in prison, for alleged membership of unlawful society and armed robbery.
Plea of the accused who resides at Ter-Makurdi residence Kanshio Makurdi was not taken.
The Magistrate, Mr Emmanuel Azembe, adjourned the case till Nov. 20 for further mention.
The Prosecutor, Sgt Ato Godwin, had told the court that the accused was arrested following a tip-off from a distress caller on May 20.
Godwin said the call was made by one Ajir Lazarus of Tse-Kembe village Makurdi.
He said that the caller had alleged that he received a threat message from the accused, nicknamed ‘Jahrule,’ a member of the Black Skull Fraternity.
The prosecutor said the complainant told the police that the accused threatened to deal with him as he had mocked him (accused) when he was shot and injured.
He said the accused mobilised his cult members, armed with axes, hammers, barrel guns and woods, and blocked the complainant at Yaikyo Market.
Godwin said the cult members robbed the complainant of his Itel phone and N16,100 cash meant for purchase of fertiliser.
The prosecutor said the accused was arrested for the crime while others were still at large.
Godwin said investigation was ongoing and prayed the court for another date for mention.
He said the offence contravened Section 11 (2) of Abduction, Kidnapping, Hostage Taking, Secret Cult and other similar Activities (prohibition) Law, 2017 and Sections 1 of the Robbery and Firearms special provision Act, 2004.
Godwin said investigation was ongoing and prayed the court for another date for mention.