Eight individuals were remanded by a Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court in Benue State following an alleged assassination attempt on Philip Agbese, a member of the House of Representatives and deputy house spokesman.
Agbese was reportedly attacked by political hoodlums while distributing food items to his constituents in Ado Local Government Area.
During the court proceedings, Police Prosecuting Officer J.S Kwaghlaade brought charges against Peter Gilbert, Pius Aboh, Awuru Sunday, Gabriel Ojoko, Paul Ochigbo, Yusuf Ajibo, Cyril Egwu, and Daniel Odoh for their alleged involvement in the attempted assassination.
The charges included criminal conspiracy, attempted culpable homicide, acts of terrorism, and possession of firearms.
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The prosecutor informed the court that the suspects, initially apprehended near Agbese, were rearrested during the investigation, while others involved remain at large.
The alleged offences were said to violate various sections of Benue State’s Penal Code Law; Abduction, Hostage Taking, Kidnapping, Secret Cult, and Similar Activities Prohibition Law, as well as the Robbery and Firearms Special Provisions Act.
As no plea was taken due to jurisdictional issues, the trial magistrate, Taribo Attah, ordered the suspects to be remanded at the Makurdi custodial centre and adjourned the case until June 6, 2024.
