28 Suspected Hoodlums Arrested During New Year Crossover Remanded in Correctional Center
By Our Correspondent
Twenty-eight suspected hoodlums, all residents of Fadikpe and Dutsan Gwari in Minna, Niger State, have been arraigned before the Minna Senior Magistrate Court 8 for their involvement in various acts of thuggery.
According to the police’s first information report, the suspects are alleged to have gathered with dangerous weapons around 1:00 AM on New Year’s Day, setting tires on fire in the streets and blocking roadways. They reportedly formed a group and threw stones at a combined team of security agents dispatched to control the situation.
The offenses contravene Section 3(b) of Niger State law, which prohibits thuggery in the state. Additionally, they violate Sections 337 and 97 of the Penal Code Law, as well as Section 5(a)(b) of the Indian Hemp Act of 1990, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
All suspects pleaded guilty to the charges when the police report was read to them in court.
Inspector Bello Mohammed, the police prosecutor, informed the court that the details of the case are contained in the report. He stated that all suspects had pleaded guilty and urged the court for an adjournment to allow him to serve the defense counsel with evidence in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Niger State.
The presiding magistrate, Fati Kabir, after carefully reviewing the case, scheduled the commencement of the hearing for February 12, 2025, and ordered that all suspects be remanded in a correctional center.