JSS3 student kidnaps cousin, demands N40m ransom

The Police on Wednesday arraigned 18-year-old Ebenezar Istifanus, in a Wuse Zone 2 Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, over the alleged kidnap of 8-year-old Innocent Sani, his cousin.

The prosecutor, Kufreabasi Ebong, alleged that the defendant kidnapped Sani, his cousin on December 18, 2017.

He alleged that the defendant enticed the boy out of the lawful custody of his guardians without their consent. The prosecutor said that the defendant demanded N40 million ransom, but was paid N160, 000.

He said that the offence contravened the provisions of Section 273 of the Penal Code.

Istifanus, however, denied committing the offence, adding that he was wrongly accused. He said that he was a JSS3 student of Government Science School Wamba, Nasarawa State.

The defendant said that he was fixing electrical faults in the shop of a former neighbour, when he was arrested by men of the Nigeria Police.

The magistrate, Emenisi Ebiwari, described the case as ‘delicate,’ since it “involves members of the same family.”

He ordered that the defendant be remanded in police custody and adjourned the case until February 1, for further hearing.