by Isi Esene

A man, Nnamdi Ezeh, was earlier today arraigned before an Abuja Magistrate’s Court for seizing a school certificate belonging to Austine Ochoga then went on to demand a four million naira ransom for it.

Ezeh is standing trial for cheating and unlawful seizure.

The victim reported the case at the Life Camp Police Station, Abuja on January 10.

According to the police prosecutor, Cpl. Simon Emmanuel, sometime in August last year, the accused and two others, now at large, tricked Ochoga to Dape Village, Abuja, under the pretence of offering him a job.

The accused and his accomplices reportedly seized Ochoga’s school certificate and other credentials for a ransom of four million naira.

Ochoga has paid N135,000 out of this amount and his certificate is yet to be returned to him.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge which the police prosecutor said contravened Sections 79, 322 and 256 of the Penal Code.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mohammed Zubairu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 and one reasonable surety who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

Zubairu adjourned the case to January 28 for further hearing.