Man In Prison Custody Over Kidnapping

A middle aged man, Chibuike Brown has been remainded in prison custody for kidnap offences by a Port Harcourt Chief Magistrate Court presided over by E.C. Woke.

Mr Chibuike Brown 30, was arraigned on two court charges, kidnapping and armed with offensive weapons.

The accused person is said to have kidnapped one female police officer, warrant sergeant, Catherine Agwana attached to State intelligence Bureau (SIB) of Rivers State Police Comand, and unlawfully imprisoned her.

The prosecuting police officer, Inspector Godwin Nwinam told the court that the accused person and others now at large on the 30th of April, 2011 at Obumere Ahoada within the Port Harcourt Magisterial District conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit kidnapping.

According to the police prosecution, the accused and others at large on the same date, armed themselves with offensive weapons and with intent to demand ransom kidnapped a female police officer as well as denied her access to her relations during the period of her kidnap.

He stated that the accused person committed an offense punishable under Section 516A of the Criminal Code, Cap 37 Vol. II Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria 1999 and Section I (II) b of Rivers State Kidnap (prohibition) laws No. 3 of 2009.

The Presiding Chief Magistrate, E.C. Woke remainded the accused to a federal prison custody and directed the court clerk to forward the case file to the Chief Registrar as well as the DPP office for their legal advice on the matter.

He however, advised the accused person to approach a high court for his bail and adjourn the case to 16/3/2012 for hearing.