3 men in court for alleged extortion of N6m from coy

The Police on Tuesday, arraigned three businessmen, before a Wuse Zone Six Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, for allegedly extorting N6,000,000 from the CEO of Benwick Nig. Ltd.

The police charged, Maurice Ikebu, Osita Nweke and Mathew Uchechukwu with a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, criminal extortion, criminal intimidation and giving false information.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecution Counsel, ASP. Peter Ejike, told the court that a written petition was received at the office of the AIG, Zone 7 Abuja, by Barrister T.P Tochukwu on behalf of Benwick Nig. Ltd. on March 4.

Ejike alleged that the trio, criminally conspired, intimidated and extorted the sum of N6, 000, 000 from the CEO, Benwick Nig. Ltd. and gave false information to the permanent secretary FCDA.

He alleged that the criminal action of the three defendants caused a huge loss to the complainant, stressing that during police investigation, it was discovered that they all committed the crime.

Ejike said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 97, 292, 397 and 140(b) of the Penal Code Law.

The Magistrate Ahmed Ndajiwo, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N1, 000,000 with two sureties each in like sum.

Ndajiwo ordered that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and that they present means of identification, which must be verified by the court registrar.

The Magistrate adjourned the case until April 15 for hearing.