Four herdsmen were on Tuesday arraigned at the Chief Magistrate Court, Makurdi for violating the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of Benue State.
According to Police Prosecuting Officer, ASP Hyacinth Gbakor, three of the herdsmen; Adamu Ibrahim, Abubakar Usman and Salah Landi were arrested on March 27,2020 by men of Benue State Livestock with their cows grazing in Ogobia Village in Otukpo local government area the State.
The prosecuting officer further told the court that another herdsman, Bahago Ahmadu of Gishiri Village, Ibi local government area of Taraba State was also arrested in Ogobia, Otukpo local government area of Benue State
The PPO said that there offence contravened section 19(2) of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017.
When the charges were read, the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge,saying that there cows had gone before they were arrested.
When asked what they were doing in the bush after the cows had left, they said they were eating honey.
The prosecuting Police Officer, ASP Gbakor told the court that investigation into the matter was still ongoing, and asked the court for another date to enable the prosecutor prove its case.
Counsel to the accused persons, Bello Abdusalam made an oral application for the bail of his clients and assured the court that he would ensure they appear in court on the next adjourned date.
The trail Magistrate, Mr Isaac Ajim granted them bail in the sum of N500, 000 (five hundred thousand naira) each with one surety in like sum, who must be resident in Makurdi with a verifiable address.
The Chief Magistrate adjourned both cases to April 7,2020 for further mention.
