Seven men who allegedly attacked and robbed a textile trader, Alhaji Hassan Ishaku, while he was observing evening prayers inside a mosque at the Rafindadi area of Katsina State were arraigned before a Katsina Magistrates’ court at the weekend.
The accused were charged with criminal conspiracy and armed robbery.
The suspects were identified as Aliyu Arab, alias kolo; Amadu Suleiman, alias Jimmy; Murtala Ghali, alias Nasara; Hassan Lawal, alias Rugged; and Ibrahim Haruna, alias Baba Iro.
Others are Bishir Ishak, alias Tinkiya; and Muntari Saidu, alias Maisalati. They are all residents of Mobil Rafindadi Quarters in Katsina.
The police, in the First Information Report filed on the case, said, “At 1930 hours of that day, the suspects conspired and armed themselves with cutlasses and knives and went to Masallacin Mallam Barau Quarters,Rafindadi, Katsina and attacked one Alhaji Hassan Ishaku of Alibaba Quarters.”
The accused persons allegedly stole items such as five yards of milk colour textile materials valued at N12,000; 10 yards of green textile materials valued at N19,000 and two pairs of sandals valued at N12,000 from Ishaku.
According to the police, the items were valued at N43,000.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Sani Ado, told the court earlier that investigation was still in progress on the case.
He said the crimes were contrary to sections 96(2),(a)and 306 of the Penal Code and the Robbery and Firearms Act, LFN of 2004, (as amended).
The presiding magistrate, Hajiya Falile Dikko, adjourned the case till August 23 and directed that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody.
The magistrate told the accused persons that they were brought before her for “cognizance’’ purpose, adding that legal advice from the state Ministry of Justice would determine whether they would be tried for the offence or not.
Fadile explained that it is only the high court that has jurisdiction to try armed robbery-related cases.
The accused will now remain in prison custody till August 23, 2017 when their case would come up for mention.
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