Benue Court Remands Two Traditional Rulers For Criminal Conspiracy

By Akume Raphael, Makurdi

A Makurdi Chief Magistrate Court presided over by Mr Isaac Ajim today remanded the District Head of Uvir Council Ward, Chief Samuel Ayayo and the Kindred Head of Unyande, James Abu, all of Guma Local Government for criminal conspiracy and homicide.

Also remanded alongside the tradition leaders were Targema Ikpaikyor, Shiaondo Targema, Terzungwe Iwar, Isaac Asema, Joseph Azenda,Mpuuga Tagh, Targema Daniel, Joshua Aondona Targema, Terseer Kuhe, Gbamwuan, all of various addresses in Guma Local Government.

When the case was mentioned, the Police Prosecuting Officer, Sergeant Friday Kanshio told the court that on May 11,2020, one Akaa Emmanuel of Gbajimba, Guma Local Government Area went to the Police Station in Gbajimba and reported that 6 of his brothers namely; Ushahemba Tyav, Tyokula Achika, Kundaiyol Nongov, Terdue Tyo, Numsor Desmond and Aondohemen Ahe all of the same address went to farm at beach area.

Read Also :Alleged Exam Malpractice: Your Victory Is Vindication Of Just Over Collaborative Evil, Osun PDP Rejoices With Senator Adeleke

A certain Gbamwuan Anagh mobilized his people led by his son, Aondoaver Gbamwuan popularly known as Anboy abducted them on the farm to a forest in Asom Village and later two out of the six abducted men, Tyokula Achika and and Ushahemba Tyav were found dead by men of the Civil Defence Agro Rangers, while Aondohemen Ahe escaped and ran back to the house.

He disclosed that during indept investigation by the police, the two traditional rulers and the other ten accused persons were arrested for committing the crime while others at large.

When the charges were read, no plea was taken for want of jurisdiction.

The Police Prosecuting Officer told the court that investigation into matter was still on and asked the court for another date to enable the prosecution prove its case.

Counsel to the District Head of Uvir, and Kindred Head of Unyande, E.G Atogi Esq and counsel to the 6th accused person, Isaac Asema, S.M Anongo Esq, said they will formally apply for the bail of their clients.

The trial Magistrate, Mr Ajim remanded the accused persons at the Police detention facility and adjourned the case to August 19,2020 for further mention.

Reacting to the case, the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters, Barr Emmanuel Agbakor said the Ortom administration does not tolerate criminality, Irrespective of the status of the persons involved, and warned traditional rulers to act as leaders and shun acts of criminality.

It will be recalled that Governor Samuel Ortom had on May 18, 2020, during the meeting of stakeholders of Tiv extraction on security at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, announced the suspension of the District Head of Uvir, Chief Samuel Ayayo and the Kindred Head of Unyande, James Abu for their compiicity in land dispute in their domain.