A 42-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Tachin Agera, was brought before the Makurdi Magistrates’ Court on Friday, accused of stealing two motorcycles belonging to the Benue Motorcycle Association (BEMOA).
Agera, a resident of No. 1 Agera Street, New GRA, Katsina-Ala, Benue State, faces charges of criminal conspiracy, trespass, intimidation, use of criminal force, and theft.
Police prosecutor Isaac Ogwuche told the court that the case was filed after BEMOA’s chairman, John Adue, submitted a petition on October 3.
In his letter, dated September 30 and addressed to the police commissioner, Adue claimed that Agera led a group of over 100 individuals to his office, located opposite First Bank in Wurukum, where they allegedly stole two motorcycles and other valuables.
According to the prosecutor, the stolen items included 30 booklets of BEMOA receipts, valued at N12,000 each, amounting to N360,000, as well as two red motorcycles worth N608,000.
Agera was arrested following police investigations, though other suspects involved remain at large.
The charges brought against him are in violation of sections 97, 349, 266, 398, and 288 of the Benue State Penal Code Law of 2004.
Agera, however, pleaded not guilty. Magistrate J.O. Ayia granted him bail in the sum of N200,000, with a surety required for the same amount. The case was adjourned to November 11 for further hearing.