By Onyeje Abutu-Joel
A 20-year old cattle rearer, Ibrahim Haruna, was on Tuesday convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment for stealing his father’s cows worth N18 million.
Haruna who lives behind Rice Mill, Wadata, Makurdi, was earlier charged with criminal conspiracy and cattle rustling before a Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The Chief Magistrate, Regina Alashi, however, gave him an option of fine of N500,000.
According to the first information report (FIR), the case was reported at the Police CID, Makurdi on Jan 12, by the father of the convict, Abdul Haruna, who was the complainant.
The complainant was said to have stated that some group of men conspired, went into his residence behind Rice Mill, Wadata, Makurdi and made away with his 15 cows valued at N18 million to an unknown destination.
Prosecuting Police Officer, Inspector James Kuegh, told the court that during the trial the now convict, Haruna, was arrested and during police investigation confessed to the crime.
Kuegh also said that other suspects were still at large.
He said the offences contravened Sections 97 of the Penal Code Law of Benue State, 2004 and 20(1) of the Open Grazing Prohibition & Ranches Establishment Law of Benue State, 2017.
(NAN)