A magistrate’s court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, arraigned three persons over their alleged involvement in the death of 10 people including nine police officers.

The suspects were said to have carried out series of bank robberies that lead to the death of the officers.

They face an 18 count-charge of conspiracy, murder, robbery and kidnapping.

The suspects allegedly killed ASP Bamidele O. Mohammed, attached to Sterling Bank, Port Harcourt; Inspector Austine Moore, attached to Elekahia police station in the state capital; Corporal Prince Tigbara, also of Elekahia police station and Inspector Jonah Oletu.

The accused: 35-year-old Odum Atokaritou; Napughi Duba, 29; and Godgift Gwenbe, 29, were also said to be involved in the killing of Inspector Peter Olavoghokere, Corporal Paul Nnaa; Inspector Dennis Akpan, attached to Olu-Obasanjo police station; Sergeant Ekwere Epoulo; Corporal Okougor Nyambi, also attached to Olu-Obasanjo station; and Femi Oloukun, Sterling Bank Regional Manager.

The suspects were said to be responsible for the two- day abduction of Nkechi Chika, Director of Pre-Pay Hotel, Eagle Island, releasing her after a ransom of N10 million.

It was further alleged that Atokaritou, Duba and Gwenbe, as well as others at large, attacked and robbed a bullion van conveying the sum of $400,000, being the property of Sterling Bank PLC, Port Harcourt.