#TrackNigeria A Magistrates’ in Makurdi on Friday ordered that a 27-year -old farmer, Nsonga Akujov, charged with alleged banditry and illegal possession of firearms, be remanded in prison pending legal advice.
Magistrate Ajuma Igama did not take the plea of Akujov for want of Jurisdiction.
Igama ordered the police to send the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
She adjourned the case until Sept 26 for further mention.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Sgt. Ato Godwin, told the court that the suspect was arrested by troops of the “Operation MESA” deployed to Ukum L.G.A Benue on July 31.
Ato further said the team raided the town, following activities of bandits, kidnappers, robbers who were terrorising citizens.
He alleged that the suspect was arrested with an AK 47 rifle with reg No. 53016723, 56 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition, and three live cartridges.
During further investigation by the police, he said, the suspect confessed to being a militia.
He said investigation into the matter was still ongoing and prayed for another date for mention.
The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of section 6(b) and 3(1) of the robbery and firearms special provision Act 2004; Section 4(2) of the abduction, hostage taking, kidnapping, secret cult and similar activities, prohibition Laws of Benue 2017. (NAN)
