The Benue State Police Command on Friday arraigned five men in a Makurdi Magistrate Court over alleged criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping and terrorism.

The suspects were arrested in Mbachigi Ward of Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State following a tip-off from people of the area.

The suspects, believed to be members of a notorious armed gang, AKA Konyo, were subsequently remanded in Makurdi Correctional Centre.

Those remanded in custody include Terhile Iorkaana, Lanshima Orkunde, Msendoo Faasema, Nancy Shima and Mngusuun Hilega.

The Police prosecutor, ASP Stella Ngbede, told the court that the accused persons were arrested by men of Operation Zenda Tactical Team led by Inspector Amile Joseph.

She further said the suspects had on April 12, blocked the Ayati-Zaki Biam road and robbed motorists of their valuables.

The prosecutor added, “The defendants also abducted Mgbaga Tese, a driver of one of the vehicles to an unknown destination.

“They later demanded for the sum of N10 million through phone number 09154338395.

“Operation Zenda on getting the information of their hideout, stormed the area and arrested the bandits while five handsets and one 5.5.6x39mm live ammunition of type 06 rifle were recovered from them.”

Ngbede said the suspects, during police investigation, confessed to committing the crime while others are still at large.

She said that investigation into the matter is still in progress and prayed the court to adjourn the matter to another date for mention.

According to her the offence contravened Section 6(b) and 1(1)(2)(a)(b) of the Robbery and Fire Arms Special Provisions Act 2004.

The Magistrate, Mrs Eunice Ndayaryo, did not take the plea of the defendants for want of jurisdiction.

She ordered that they should be remanded at the Makurdi Correctional Centre pending the outcome of further investigations.

Police arraign 5 persons for robbery, kidnapping in Benue