A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Minna has ordered the remand of six individuals, including a married woman, in correctional custody for alleged kidnapping. The court ruled that it lacks jurisdiction to try the case, despite 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 face four 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 home in Marrando village. The police claimed the defendants demanded a ransom of N9 million, later reduced to N5 million.
During the court proceedings, four of the defendants pleaded guilty, while two pleaded not guilty.
The presiding Chief Magistrate, Hajiya Ummulkhatum Mohammed, ruled that the court lacks jurisdiction to convict and sentence the defendants, citing the High Court’s exclusive jurisdiction over such cases.
Magistrate Mohammed adjourned the case to 6 May 2025 for further mention, ordering that the defendants remain in correctional custody pending the outcome.
