The Chief Magistrate Court in Makurdi has remanded 98 persons in the Correctional Center over their involvement in a violent protest that occurred in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State two weeks ago. The protest resulted in the destruction of private and government properties, including the Ukum LG Secretariat, schools, banks, and a police station, amounting to millions of naira in damages.
The accused persons were charged with various offenses, including criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire, culpable homicide, mischief, theft, armed robbery, and acts of terrorism. Out of the 99 suspects arraigned, one nursing mother, Vivian Jacob, was granted bail in the sum of 500,000 naira with a surety who must be a civil servant.
The court adjourned the case until August 21, 2024, for further mention, while the other suspects were remanded in the correctional center. The prosecution counsel did not oppose the application for extension of time to complete the investigation. The violent protest had resulted in the death of six persons, according to the First Information Report.
