By; ADAMA JOHN, Lokoja
A Chief Magistrate Court in Lokoja has remanded three suspected thieves known for terrorising students communities of Adakolo, Felele, Bassa Village and Crusher suburb areas of Lokoja, Kogi State capital.
They were arrested in connection with the recent attacks on the students populated communities and dispossessing them of their valuables such as smart phones, computers and other items.
The suspects, Abbas Salisu, Gimba Ibrahim and Mamud Lawal Kwara
who had earlier confessed to have stolen 33 phones were arraigned by the Department of State Service before the Chief Magistrate Court in Lokoja yesterday.
The Prosecution counsel, Olanrewaju Yahaya filed a four count charge bothering on criminal conspiracy, theft of phones valued at one million Naira, dishonestly receiving stolen properties and belonging to a gang of thieves that were stealing the belongings of Students of Kogi State Polytechnic and Federal University Lokoja before the Chief Magistrate Court.
He urged the court to remand the accused persons at the Koton Karfe Medium Custodian centre pending the investigation and hearing of the Case.
After pleading not guilty to the charges, the trial Chief Magistrate, Abdullahi Mopah remanded the suspects in Koto Karfe custodial centre and adjourned the case till 9th of May, 2024 for hearing.
Similarly ,the Chief Magistrate Court has remanded one Austin Obaje in Koton- Karfe Medium Correctional Centre for alleged impersonation , extortion and fraud.
Obaje was dragged before the Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly and consistently using the name of Department of State Services to defraud the unsuspecting public.
Obaje was arraigned before the Court on charges of fraud by obtained the sum of three hundred thousand Naira (N300,000) from Dr. Simeon Oyigun Omakoji under the false pretence that he was sent by the State Director, State Security Service, Mr Tosin Ajayi.
Austin was also said to have committed an extortion by deliberately putting one Dr.Simeon Oyigun Omakoji, in fear of death to wit that the Immediate Past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has sent Assasins and Kidnappers to eliminate him.
The Defence Counsel, William Alewo urged the court to grant the defendant bail to enable him prepare to defend his case, noting that the accused will not jump the bail or interfere in the investigation.
The Chief Magistrate Abdullahi Mopah in ruling remanded the accused person in the Custody of Koton Karfe Correctional centre and adjourned the case till 9th May 2024 for hearing and continuation.
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