The police in Benue have arraigned 19-year-old Nyinnyin Ushazungwe at the Makurdi Upper Area Court for alleged criminal conspiracy, illegal blocking of a federal highway and armed robbery.

Police prosecutor Veronica Shaagee told the court that Mr Ushazungwe was arraigned following his arrest by Benson Pember of the Benue State Board of Internal Revenue Services (BIRS), Makurdi, on Wednesday.

Ms Shaagee alleged that Mr Pember complained that Mr Ushazungwe and others mounted an illegal roadblock along his route along Achoho Aliade /Gboko Road and forcefully collecting money from motorists on the road.

She said the defendant claimed to be collecting tax for the state government.

The prosecutor said his co-conspirators James Akopa and Gomna, (real name unknown) were now at large.

Ms Shagee said the offence contravened sections 97 of the Penal Code Law of Benue State and sections 1(1)2(a)(b) of the Robbery and Firearms Special Provisions Act 2004.

The prosecutor said the investigation into the matter was still ongoing and requested time to complete it.

However, the defendant denied all the allegations when the case came up for mention.

The magistrate, Rose Iyorshe, granted the accused N100,000 bail and one reliable surety who must be a civil servant.

Ms Iyorshe further adjourned the case to September 12 for further mention. 

(NAN)