Benue: Court remands farmer over alleged abduction, trafficking of 14-year-old boy

Farmer Remanded Over Alleged Abduction and Trafficking of 14-Year-Old

MAKURDI, Benue State — A Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of Aondowase Bebeshi, a 38-year-old farmer, following allegations of abducting and trafficking a 14-year-old boy. Bebeshi, who lives near Township Hall in Jato-Aka, is facing charges related to child abduction and trafficking.

During a court session on Tuesday, the defendant’s plea was not entered, as the court indicated it lacked jurisdiction over the case. Chief Magistrate W.A. Orgba subsequently ordered that Bebeshi be held at the Makurdi Correctional Centre while awaiting further legal advice.

The case is scheduled for mention on November 16.

Inspector Jonah Uletu, the prosecutor, stated that Bebeshi allegedly took the 14-year-old boy from Jato-Aka to Benin City without the father’s consent. The complaint was lodged with the Divisional Police Headquarters in Jato-Aka by the boy’s father, Mr. Terfa Maya.

According to Uletu, the boy left home for Holy Family Secondary School on October 14, 2024, but did not return. After unsuccessful attempts to locate him, Maya learned that Bebeshi had reportedly taken his son to Benin City without authorization.

The prosecutor further alleged that Maya’s efforts to convince Bebeshi to return his son were futile. Police later arrested Bebeshi, who reportedly admitted to the allegations during questioning.

The charges against Bebeshi fall under Section 13 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition), Enforcement and Administration Act of 2015 and Section 274 of the Benue State Penal Code Law of 2004.

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