Two Men Detained Over Alleged Firearm Possession in Benue

In Makurdi, Benue State, a magistrate’s court on Monday ordered the detention of two men, Terhile Yarnum and Simon Changoji, who are facing trial for alleged conspiracy, trespass, inflicting harm, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

The presiding magistrate, Ajuma Igama, stated that the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the plea from the defendants. Consequently, she directed that the accused be held at the Makurdi Correctional Centre and scheduled the next hearing for May 11.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Inspector Inedu Friday, informed the court that the case originated when a resident named Kanshio Cyprian, from Ukemberegya in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, lodged a complaint at the Anyin Divisional Police Station.

According to the complainant, while he was working with five other individuals on a farm, Terhile Yarnum, Simon Changoji, and several others from the Changoji family launched an attack. He reported that the assailants entered the farmland carrying sticks, cutlasses, and firearms, assaulting the group and causing an injury to one Terhile Abraham's forehead.

The complainant further stated that the attackers absconded with a wheelbarrow full of seed yams, valued at N136,000.

Inspector Friday added that police investigations led to the arrest of the defendants, while other accomplices are reportedly still at large. The investigation is ongoing, and the prosecutor requested a new date for the case to be mentioned.

He noted that the alleged offenses contravene Sections 97, 349, 254, and 288 of the Penal Code Law of Benue State 2004, as well as Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearm Special Provision Act 3004.