Three men remanded in custody for cattle theft after police arrest them for stealing 32 cows

THREE men have been remanded in police custody by a Minna Magistrates Court after being charged with stealing 32 heads of cattle in breach of the Niger State Kidnapping and Cattle Rustling Law.

In what is now becoming a growing menace across northern Nigeria, the three men, Baje Shehu, 40; Abubakr Majo, 26 and Aminu Usman, 25, were docked on three counts of criminal conspiracy, theft and cattle rustling. Magistrate Paul Adama, who gave the order, adjourned hearing in the matter until November 20 for further mention.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Ogiri Emmanuel, had told the court that one Pastor Jeremiah Nmadu in Gusadi village, in Katchia Local Government Area of Niger State had reported the matter at the station on March 13. Sergeant Emmanuel told the court that complainant told the police that some hoodlums attacked one of his farms at the Kateregi Fulani settlement camp and stole 32 cows.

He said police detectives swung into action and arrested the accused persons in connection with the crime. According to the police, the offence was contrary to provisions of Sections 3(1) and 8(1) of Niger State Kidnapping and Cattle Rustling Law.

When the charges were read to them, all three men pleaded not guilty. They are to be remanded in prison until November 20 when they appear in court again.