Gunmen kidnap appeal court judge in Benin, kill police orderly

Chioma Nwosu, a judge with the Benin division of the appeal court, has been kidnapped by gunmen.

A. I. Momoh, the police orderly accompanying the judge, was killed by the gunmen before they took Nwosu away in their car.

The judge was said to have been trailed from Ramat Park end of the Benin-Agbor road before her vehicle was intercepted around Christ Chosen Church of God International.

Chidi Nwabuzor, the state police command spokesman, who confirmed the incident, said the driver of the vehicle was also injured by the armed men.

“The incident occurred today at about 11.30am, along Benin-Agbor expressway, by Christ Chosen Church of God International,” he said, adding that the police is already on the trail of the kidnappers

“The victim, Justice Chioma Nwosu was attacked, while the police orderly attached to her, Inspector A. I. Momoh was murdered and the driver of the vehicle severely injured and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

“Immediately, the police operatives at Ikpoba Hill Divisional Police headquarters, the tactical team of Edo state command and other relevant sections swung into action, but unfortunately, they got away with it.

“Investigation is ongoing and by the grace of God, Justice Chioma Nwosu will be rescued unhurt.”

The incident is coming a week after Abdul Dogo, a judge of the federal high court in Akure, the Ondo state capital, was kidnapped.

Dogo, who was kidnapped by gunmen at the Ibilo axis of Edo/Isua Akoko area of the state while returning to Akure from Abuja, was released on Saturday.