Edo Special Criminal Court remands man over alleged Kidnapping

Benin – The Edo Special Criminal Court in Benin on Wednesday remanded one Glory Ikpomwonsa, 55, at the Benin Correctional Centre for alleged kidnapping.

The order followed an ex parte motion by the Police Prosecutor, Emmanuel Ekibade.

Ekibade after citing relevant sections of the law, prayed the court to remand the suspect in a Correctional Centre for an initial period of 14 days, pending legal advice from Office of the state Ministry of Justice.

He told the court that Ikpomwonsa conspired with others now at large to commit a felony at Alor Community on the Benin-Auchi Expressway, within the Benin Judicial Division.

The prosecutor alleged that Ikpomwonsa kidnapped one Imagbovumwan Egharevba to an unknown destination in September 2021 with the intent to receive ransom, adding that the latter has not been seen till date.

He also alleged that in February, in the same Alor Community, Ikpomwonsa conspired with others at large and attacked one Osazee Ovie with a gun.

Ekibade said Ikpomwonsa is being prosecuted on eight counts bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping ,unlawful possession of firearms, attempted murder, and armed robbery.

The offences, Ekibade said, contravened Sections 7(1) and 5(1) of the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law of the state, and Sections 243(9)(b) and 295 of the Criminal Law of Edo, 2022.

However, the Defence Counsel, Mr Emmanuel Afolabi (SAN), did not oppose the prosecution’s application.

He cited relevant sections and urged the court to consider the case on its merit.

The trial Judge, Justice Terry Momodu, accordingly granted the prayer of the prosecution and issued the remand order.

Momodu subsequently adjourned the case until Aug. 5.