Eight suspected kidnappers of a Benue commissioner’s wife have been arraigned at a Makurdi Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

The police then asked for adjournment after the court ordered that they be remanded in a correctional centre, saying investigation is still ongoing.

Suspects Samuel Ogbodo, Chidi Anekwe, Monday Anyigor, John Igwe, John Nwoke, Mathias Odoh, Matthew Eze and Iorhemen Yagba were charged with criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and terrorism.

Magistrate Adah Odeh did not take the plea of the suspects for want in jurisdiction.

She ordered that they should be remanded at the Federal Correctional Centre pending legal advice.

Ms Odeh then adjourned the case until October 12 for further mention.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Inspector Rachael Mchiave told the court that the case was received at the DZ Section SCID Makurdi through letter No. CJ:4161/BNS/JTF/OPZ/VOL. 1/440 on August 2

Ms Mchiave said that operatives of the joint JTF led by ASP Usman Dalamin, acting on credible intelligence report, busted the deadly kidnapping syndicate that kidnapped Ann Unenge, wife of the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals and her driver on July 29.

She said that they demanded for N51 million ransom.

The prosecution also alleged that one AK 47 rifle with breech No 5006971 double magazines loaded with 28 rounds of live ammunition, two pump action live cartridges, locally made pistol and charms were recovered from the suspects.

She said investigation into the matter was ongoing and prayed the court for an adjournment.

The offence, she said, contravened the provisions of sections 6(6)& 1(1)(2)(a)(b) of the Robbery and Firearms Special Provisions Acts 2004 and 3(2) and 4(2) of the Abduction, Hostage taking, Kidnapping, Secret Cult and Similar Activities prohibition Law of Benue state 2017.

(NAN)