A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has commenced the trial of three soldiers and ten others for alleged armed robbery, burglary, and receiving stolen property.
The suspects were charged by the Nigeria Police Force with armed robbery, burglary, and receiving stolen goods.
On May 27, 2024, Rivers State Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko stated that the 13 suspects, including the soldiers, were arrested for alleged armed robbery, hijacking food trucks, and diverting them to other locations.
The police reported that a member of the syndicate, also an operative of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, was among those arrested.
According to Iringe-Koko, this breakthrough came after an in-depth investigation following an initial arrest for suspected burglary at a private warehouse in Elimgbu community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
She added that the Nigerian Army subsequently dismissed the soldiers involved.
At Wednesday’s hearing, F. D. Sokari, prosecuting counsel for the Nigerian Police Force, presented their first witness, Emmanuel Nwogu, who consented to his extrajudicial statement being admitted as evidence.
The defense counsel, Monday Stephen-Akpekon, objected, citing that the complainant’s written statement had not been served.
Due to the objections, the prosecution moved for an adjournment. Justice G. O. Ollor directed the prosecution to provide the necessary documents by the next hearing.
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