The Chief Magistrate Court in Makurdi has ordered the remand of 98 individuals to the Correctional Center following a violent protest in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State two weeks ago.
Among the 99 suspects arraigned, one, a nursing mother, was granted bail.
The accused face charges of criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire, culpable homicide, mischief, theft, armed robbery, and acts of terrorism.
According to the first information report, “Victor Iorzaa, the Caretaker Chairman of Ukum LG, reported to the Police that bandits attacked Boikyo ward in Ayati on 03/07/2024 at about 0030hrs, killing six persons. Later that day, at around 0800hrs, violent protesters began burning down private and government properties, including the Ukum LG Secretariat.”
The report detailed the extensive damage caused by the protesters, listing properties such as schools, the Federal Road Safety Corps office, courts, the Civil Defence office, banks (Unity, Access, and UBA), hotels, the Benue Links park, residential buildings, the INEC area office, the BIRS office, the Police station, the NUT office, and the local government guest house, with losses amounting to millions of naira.
The defense team, comprised of Tavershima Kusa, E.T. Iyorkaa, M.A. Uyina, H.A. Abuul, I.G. Akange, M.S. Kwaghtse, S.T. Sorkwu, and Robert, did not oppose the application for an extension of time to complete the investigation.
Counsel Tavershima made an oral application for bail on behalf of Vivian Jacob, a nursing mother.
Chief Magistrate Kelvin Mbanongon ruled, “Vivian is granted bail in the sum of 500,000 naira, with a surety who must be a civil servant and provide two passports. This consideration is made due to her nursing status. All other suspects are to be remanded in the correctional center, Makurdi.”
The case has been adjourned to August 21, 2024, for further proceedings.