Court remands 6 for alleged kidnapping in Niger

A Chief Magistrate’s Court successful Minna has ordered the remand of six individuals, including a joined woman, successful correctional custody for alleged kidnapping. The tribunal ruled that it lacks jurisdiction to effort the case, contempt the defendants’ pleas.

The accused, A’isha Sani, Abuh Mohammed, Daudu Mohammed, Mamman Sani, Shehu Arzika Laura, and Jibrin Ahmadu, were arrested by the Niger State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad. They look 4 charges, including conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms.

According to the Police First Information Report, the defendants allegedly kidnapped a 22-year-old woman, Mai-Kyau Malam, from her location successful Marrando village. The constabulary claimed the defendants demanded a ransom of N9 million, aboriginal reduced to N5 million.

During the tribunal proceedings, 4 of the defendants pleaded guilty, portion 2 pleaded not guilty.

The presiding Chief Magistrate, Hajiya Ummulkhatum Mohammed, ruled that the tribunal lacks jurisdiction to convict and condemnation the defendants, citing the High Court’s exclusive jurisdiction implicit specified cases.

Magistrate Mohammed adjourned the lawsuit to 6 May 2025 for further mention, ordering that the defendants stay successful correctional custody pending the outcome.