Police nab 15 suspects over alleged money rituals in Benue

The Benue State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Wednesday said it arrested no fewer than 20 suspected criminals in the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), SP Sewuese Anene, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Makurdi, Benue.

Anene said the arrested suspects were involved in different criminal activities that ranged from money rituals to illegal gun running to armed robbery

He added that the command’s operatives also recovered seven locally-fabricated barretta pistols and a motorcycle from the suspects

He said the suspects were arrested during a police raid on their hideout along Adikpo – Vandeikya Road, following a tip-off.

“On 15th November the team stormed their hideout and arrested one Fater Terkula and Jem Demesugh.

“An on-the-spot search of the hideout led to the recovery of the six locally fabricated barretta pistols and motorcycle,” Anene disclosed.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Ternenge kpamngu, Terkula Ihyungwa also known as Japan, Aondo Kusugh, Chukwudi Udeh and nine others.

“Additional exhibits recovered from them include two gas cylinders, one welding cylinder, two welding nozzles and a Sienna bus.

“The suspects confessed that they have been in the business of producing and selling arms as well as training teenagers in arms manufacturing.

“Three teenagers of less than 13 years of age were also arrested at the training ground,” he said.

Anene added that the command also arrested two suspected armed robbers, after their victim, one Misaq Eke of Ugondo District, Makurdi, incidented the matter at E Police Division.

“During investigation, one Ushahemba Ayoough and Jeremiah Ugborgo were arrested in connection with the case and one locally-fabricated barretta pistol was recovered from them.

“And during Police routine patrol along Barracks road, Makurdi, it received information that one Godspower Oghenerumu, a suspected ritualist (yahoo yahoo), his pregnant wife and five others had arrived Makurdi from Delta and where they were carrying out ritual activities