The Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court on Monday ordered the remand of ten suspected cultists at a correctional center for allegedly killing a twenty two year old boy, Samson Ajikoni.
Suspects living at various addresses In Benue’s Apa Township, he was charged with criminal conspiracy and culpable murder.
Chief Justice Ms Roseline Iyorshie did not accept their plea for lack of jurisdiction.
Iyorshie adjourned the matter until Aug 30 for further mention.
Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Inspector Godwin Ato, told the court that the case had been transferred from the Division Police Headquarters, Ugbukpo, in Aba Local Government Area.
He said the transfer was made by letter dated July 10, 2023 to Makurdi State Criminal Investigation Department on July 11.
Ato said the letter said Community Volunteer Guardsman Peter Usman, attached to Apa Local Government Area, reported the matter to Ugbokpo Police Station on July 9.
The complainant stated that some people suspected of being cultists went to Ajekonye’s house, threw matches on his head and died of blood loss as a result of his injuries.
Prosecutors said Apa police acted immediately and the investigation revealed that John Emanuel, Wisdom Adams, Jeremiah Santee, Samson Aba and Moses John committed the crime.
Others who were allegedly involved in the commission of the crime were Jonah Akoche, Samuel Mohammed, Gideon Omale, Sunday Philip and Adebayo Gabriel.
Ato said that therefore he was arrested for having committed the crime.
He stated that the offenses violated Sections 97 and 222 of the Benue Criminal Code Act 2004.
(NAN)
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