Police arraign suspected kidnappers in Benue over missing six-year-old girl

The police command in Benue state has arraigned Terkaa Ikyoyer and Lorlumun Akule before the Makurdi upper area court 2A, following the disappearance of Emmanuella Nyam, a six-year-old girl.

Rachael Mchiave, the police prosecutor, said the suspects were facing a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and advance fee fraud.

Mchiave told the court that Terkimbir Nyam, the parent of the missing girl reported the case to the state criminal investigation department on March 13.

The police prosecutor said Emmanuella went missing on February 20 at a social function, while the case was reported to the area command, Makurdi on February 23.

“The complainant explained that while at the event, his daughter demanded to drink water and he took her across the road and allowed her to go home and get water,” NAN quoted Mchiave as saying.

She said Akule had claimed to know someone who had the “ability” to find the girl.

“The said Akule brought Ikyoyer, who confirmed that the missing child was somewhere alive and he had supernatural powers to cause her to return,” Mchiave said.

She told the court that Ikyoyer asked for N48,000 from the complainant and the money was given to enable him to return the missing girl.

However, the suspects “deceitfully” collected the money from the missing girl’s father.

The police prosecutor said the suspects were arrested afterward.

She said that the offences violated sections (8a) and 1 (3) of the advance fee fraud-related offenses act 2006.

She also said that the investigation into the matter was ongoing and urged the court to remand the suspects at the federal maximum correctional centre (FMCC), Makurdi.

However, when the case came up for hearing, no plea was taken for want of jurisdiction.

Vershima Hwande, the magistrate, remanded the suspects at the FMCC.

He then adjourned the case to May 25 for further mention.