A Minna Senior Magistrate Court has convicted and sentenced three persons to three years imprisonment each after they were found guilty of aiding and abetting kidnappers.

It was gathered that one of the convicts who is a medical doctor also served as their physician.

The Presiding Senior Magistrate, Hajiya Fati Kabir also ordered that the imprisonment is with hard labour without an option of fine.

The convicts; Abubakar Abdullahi, Abubakar Musa, and Kabir Mohammed, all citizens of Niger State were found guilty of two count charges of conspiracy, aiding and assisting an offender which contravened Sections 3 (1) and 4 (1) of the Niger state law on kidnapping and cattle rustling 2016.

Police Prosecutor, ASP Thomas Irimiya Peter said, “on the 14th of April, 2022, following a tip-off that some men in Zugurma area via Ibbi in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger state are supplying armed bandits terrorizing Mashegu and environs with illicit drugs also serving as doctor and transporter,”

The FIR also indicated that “The operatives of the State Investigation and Intelligent Bureau (SIIB), attached to Ibbi Police Divisional command swung into action and successfully arrested Abubakar Musa and Kabir Mohammed.”

During investigations, ASP Thomas said, Abubakar Musa, confessed his culpability to the crime of supplying armed bandits with illicit drugs and also at the same time introduced Kabir Mohammed to the armed bandits before serving as their medical doctor.

Abubakar Abdullahi, according to him has been the driver to the armed bandits and that the bandits also bought him a new IVS motorcycle worth N350, 000 which he also served the needs of their movement.

During the trial, four witnesses testified against the convicts before the court.

The presiding Senior Magistrate Hajiya Fati Kabir after listening to the testimonies of the four witnesses said the Prosecutor had proved his case beyond reasonable doubt about their culpability in the crime by the three persons.

The court, according to the Magistrate is convinced with all the testimonies of the prosecuting witnesses, “You are hereby convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment each without an option of fine in addition with hard labour.” (Daily Independent)

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