Court Remands Two Suspected Kidnappers in Abuja Case

A vacation judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Ngozi Nwabulu, ordered the remand of two suspected kidnappers, Acha Leku Michael, 21, and Abigal Vincent, 20, in Abuja. They are accused of the murder of 21-year-old Emmanuel Chukwuemeka.

The defendants were arraigned on three counts: criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and culpable homicide, which are punishable by death. The prosecution alleges that between April 24 and 29, the defendants conspired to kidnap Chukwuemeka, taking him to Apo Hill under the pretense of going for prayers, where he was allegedly murdered.

Michael reportedly demanded a ransom of N5 million from Chukwuemeka’s mother, Juliana Anidu, instructing her to pay the money into Vincent’s PoS account. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.

Prosecuting counsel Ridwan Mohammed requested their remand at correctional facilities, which was not opposed by defense counsel Katr Nwaigbo. Justice Nwabulu ordered Michael to be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre and Vincent at either Suleja or Keffi Correctional Centre, with the case adjourned until September 24 for trial commencement.