A chief magistrates’ court on Tuesday ordered that two brothers and their friend be remanded in a federal correctional centre for allegedly attacking villagers in Benue.

The police charged Terna Amozua, Aondofa and Teryima Amazua with criminal conspiracy and acts of terrorism.

The magistrate, Erdoo Ter, who did not take the plea of three suspects for want in jurisdiction, adjourned the case until January 24 for further mention.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Inspector Regina Ishaya, told the court that the case was transferred from the Divisional Police Headquarters Wannune, Tarka LGA, to State Criminal Investigation Department CID, Makurdi.

Ms Ishaya said John Ikyaha, commander of Benue State Volunteer Guards, Tarka LGA, reported the matter at the Wannune Police Station on November 5.

She said the complainant reported that Mr Amozua and the Amazua brothers, who all live in Makurdi, were suspected members of a militia gang terrorising the area.

The prosecutor said the Tiortyu Market Square Youth Leader, Japhet Vishigh, arrested the suspects, alleged militia members for allegedly attacking villagers in the area.

She said the offence contravened sections 97 of the Penal Code of Benue 2004 and 4(2) of the Abduction, Hostage Taking, Kidnapping Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Laws of Benue State 2017.

Ms Ishaya said an investigation into the matter was still ongoing and prayed for more time. 

(NAN)