Police prosecute 19-year-old man over illegal revenue collection on highways

The Police on Friday commenced the prosecution of Nyinnyin Ushazungwe, 19, at a Makurdi Upper Area Court in Benue State, on charges of criminal conspiracy, illegal blocking of federal highway and armed robbery.

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Veronica Shaagee, from the Benue State Police Command, at the court on Friday said that the case was reported on Wednesday by one Benson Pember of Benue State Board of Internal Revenue Services (BIRS) Makurdi.

Shaagee said that the complainant, while on transit along Achoho Aliade/Gboko Road, arrested the defendant, with others, where they mounted a roadblock, collecting money from traders and bringing him to the SCID.

She said that Nyinnyin Ushazungwe of St. Lucy’s Parish Awajir, Konshisha LGA, mounted an illegal revenue check point and was collecting money from motorists at Achoho village.

Inspector Shaagee said the defendants were claiming to be collecting tax for Benue State Government.

The Inspector added that during Police investigation, the suspect was re-arrested for committing the offence, while his co-conspirators James Akopa and Gomna, (real name unknown) are now at large.

The Police Inspector argued that they contravened Sections 97 of the Penal Code Law of Benue State and sections 1(1)2(a)(b) of the Robbery and Firearms Special Provisions Act 2004.

The Magistrate, Rose Iyorshe, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 to one dependable surety who shall be a civil servant, and, thereafter, adjourned the case to September 12