Aniefiok Christopher
An Uyo Magistrate Court in Akwa Ibom has remanded six robbery and kidnap suspects in a Correctional Centre without option of fine in the state.
The suspects recently arrested by men of the State Police Command over kidnapping were arraigned at the court located along Fulga Street, Uyo.
A press statement issued by the state Police Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John mentioned the names the four of the six suspects to include Abdulkarem Yusuf ‘m’, Yusuf Waziri ‘m’, Ibinabo Sunny Iboroma ‘m’ and Abdulrahman Abbas ‘m’ were arrested last month by the Command’s Anti-Robbery Squad following a distress call about the kidnap incident at Utang Street by Gibbs Street, Uyo.
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The statement said the six persons arrested on the matter were arraigned in suit No. MU/MISC.339c/2024 at Uyo Magistrate Court, off Fulga Street, on the 26th of June, 2024.
Police source revealed that the suspects had kidnapped one Abraham Ekpe at Ring Road 3, opposite Cemetery.
The suspected kidnappers who wore military uniform took Ekpe to kidnap his friend simply identified as “Richie” both who are studying at the University of Uyo.
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But, luck ran out of the gang members as police arrested them while they were on the verge of kidnapping one “Richie,” the friend of their victim (Abraham Ekpe).
Their plan was to take both victims to their hideout in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Information from the police revealed that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom ofN5 million from their victim, but his inability to pay prompted them to go after his friend.
Relying on the distress call, the Police were said to have rescued the victims successfully and reunited them with their families.
According to police source, one red colour Honda Accord car with registration number BJ 615 ABC, one handcuff and one dagger were recovered.
Available information from the court premises indicates that the matter was later adjourned to Wednesday, 17 July, 2024 for pre-hearing.
However, the suspects were not brought to court for hearing because the court did not list the matter on that day for hearing.
Recounting his ordeal to our correspondent who was in court on the next adjourned date, one of the victims, Mr Abraham Ekpe said, though he is thankful to God Almighty for the quick intervention of the Police, he is still in shock about the ugly incident.
The undergraduate, who was in court with his mother, Mrs Ekpe said all they are after now is for the court to grant them fair judgement on the matter.
