Four commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders have been arraigned before a Makurdi Chief Magistrate for assaulting a High Court Judge in Benue State.

The motorcyclists were charged for allegations ranging from criminal conspiracy to serious assault after they allegedly gave Justice Ogbogo Ejembi of Otukpo High Court the beating of his life.

The arraignment of the four suspects came up on Thursday, following the assault reportedly meted out to the Judge on Wednesday August 8, 2012.

Saturday Tribune gathered that Justice Ogbogo incurred the wrath of the Okada riders when he visited Makurdi on Wednesday and was driving through David Mark Bye-Pass Junction when he was hit by a motorcyclist from the rear but chose to ignore the rider.

The okada rider, Agbo Athanasius who however was oblivious of the person in the vehicle hit the car of the judge when the traffic warden on duty granted them the right of way as  Agbo wanted to manipulate himself and overtake the vehicle when he hit the judge’s car.

According to sources, despite the fact that the Judge ignored the brushing of his car, the four cyclists including the traffic warden trailed the judge to his destination and were said to have beaten him on alighting from his vehicle.

The four cyclists were later apprehended by the police and charged before the Chief Magistrate.

The other cyclists are Zuzuli Emmanuel, Adam Anthony and Barnabas Agbaka, all ranging between the ages of 23 and 28.
At the court, the okada riders pleaded not guilty and Mrs T M Wergba granted them bail in the sum of N50, 000 each with one surety in like sum and also said the

sureties must be resident in Makurdi and owners of landed properties with passport photographs.

The Chief Magistrate adjourned the case to September 11, 2012.

The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Daniel Ezeala who confirmed the incident said the traffic warden whom he said was detained at the cell of the “A” Division Police Station in Makurdi is currently undergoing Orderly Room trial.