Nyinnyin Ushazungwe, 19, was charged by the Police Command in Benue on Friday with criminal conspiracy, obstructing a federal highway without permission, and armed robbery.
The matter was reported by one Benson Pember of the Benue State Board of Internal Revenue Services (BIRS), Makurdi, on Wednesday, according to the police prosecutor, Insp. Veronica Shaagee, who testified in court.
Shaagee claimed that when travelling along Achoho Aliade/Gboko Road, the complainant and several other people stopped traffic, established a roadblock, and detained the defendant. They then took him to the SCID, according to Shaagee.
She said that Ushazungwe of Opposite St. Lucy’s Parish Awajir, Konshisha LGA, mounted an illegal revenue check point and was collecting money from motorists at Achoho village.
She said the defendents were claiming to be collecting tax for Benue State Government.
She said during Police investigation, they were re-arrested for committing the offence, while his co-conspirators James Akopa and Gomna, (real name unknown) were now at large.
She argued 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 Prosecutor said investigation into the matter was still ongoing and requested for time to complete it.
However, when the case came up for mention, the defendant denied all the allegations.
The Magistrate, Rose Iyorshe, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 to one reliable surety who shall be a civil servant.
Iyorshe further adjourned the case to September 12 for further mention.