A Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court has remanded nine persons to the correctional centre for allegedly robbing and killing one police inspector, Peter Ilonye.
The victim, Inspector Ilonye, was said to be riding on his motorcycle from Taraku to Alaide town in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State when he was accosted by the accused persons, who robbed and killed him.
Prosecution Counsel, Insp Godwin Ato, told the court on Thursday that the case was received at the State CID Makurdi on March 1, 2023 from Operation Zenda Joint Task Force Headquarters; Makurdi via signal dated the same March 1.
The court heard that the signal stated that one Insp Terna Moughga attached to Operation Zenda JTF Aliade Sector, reported at the Operation Zenda JTF headquarters in Makurdi, on March 1 that Insp Ilonye who was also attached to Operation Zenda JTF Aliade Sector had been killed by a group of armed robbers.
Court bars Ganduje from revoking Kano Golf Club Land
Nigeria records 82,000 maternal deaths annually – UNICEF
Prosecution explained that the deceased was riding on his motorcycle from Taraku to Aliade town when he ran into the gang of armed robbers who had blocked the road at Jiwunde village and were robbing motorists of their belongings.
The court further heard that upon sighting Ilonye, the robbers shot him on his stomach and carted away his service AK-47 rifle with breech number NH347439 and loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition.
Prosecution also told the court that Ilonye was later confirmed dead as a result of the gunshot.
According to the prosecutor, during police investigation, the accused, who include Alam Timothy, Ushahemba Tarveem, Ternenge Zafefa, Aondonenge Tyozenda, Zakpe Alfred, James Akange, Terdoo Ikpur, Aondohemba Torto and Jennifer Terna were arrested for committing the offences while some others are still at large.
The prosecution said two AK-47 rifles, four locally made pistols, seven single barrel guns, 67 rounds of 7.62×39 mm live ammunition, among others, were recovered from them.
But, the Magistrate, Mrs Roseline Iyorshe, did not take their plea for want in jurisdiction and adjourned the case to May 15, 2023 for further mention.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
