Court remands man over alleged kidnapping, armed robbery in Edo

A Benin High Court on Friday ordered the remand of one Haruna Ayuba, 30, in a correctional centre over alleged kidnapping and armed robbery in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

The order followed an ex parte motion filed by the police prosecutor, Polycap Odion, of the Directorate of Legal Services at the police command in Edo.

Mr Odion prayed the court to remand the suspect in a correctional centre for an initial period of 14 days, pending legal advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

He told the court that the suspect and another person, who is still at large, allegedly committed the offences on 6 July at Igue Farm Road, near Igarra, within the Auchi Division.

According to him, the defendant allegedly conspired to kidnap Atorugh Simeon and Mary Godwin.

The prosecution further alleged that the suspect kidnapped the victims and robbed them of N15,000 in cash and foodstuffs valued at N40,000, while armed with guns and other dangerous weapons.

Mr Odion said the defendant was facing a five-count charge of kidnapping, armed robbery and conspiracy.

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He said the alleged offences contravened Section 412(2) of the Criminal Law of Edo, 2022; Section 3 of the Edo Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025; and Section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The judge, Terry Momodu, granted the prosecution’s prayer and ordered that the suspect be remanded in a correctional centre for an initial period of 14 days, pending legal advice from the state DPP.

Justice Momodu subsequently adjourned the case till 25 September.