Court remands 10 suspected cultists for allegedly killing a 22-year old boy

A Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court on Monday, ordered the remand of 10 suspected cultists, in a correction centre for allegedly killing a 22-year old boy, Samson Ajekonye.

The suspects who live at various addresses in Apa Local Government Area of Benue, were charged with criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Roseline Iyorshie did not take their plea for want in jurisdiction.

Iyorshie adjourned the matter until Aug 30 for further mention.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp Godwin Ato told the court that the case was transferred from the Divisional Police Headquarters, Ugbokpo in Apa Local Government Area.

He said the transferred was via a letter dated July 10, 2023 to the State CID, Makurdi on July 11.

Ato said the letter stated that a member of a Community Volunteer Guards, Peter Usman attached to Apa Local Government Area had reported the matter at the Ugbokpo Police Station on July 9.

The complainant stated that some persons suspected to be cultists went to the home of Ajekonye, matchetted him on his head and he bled to death as a result of the injuries.

The prosecutor said the police in Apa swung into action and investigation revealed that John Emmanuel, Wisdom Adams, Jeremiah Sunday, Samson Abah, Moses John committed the crime.

Others who allegedly joined in committing the crime were Jonah Akoche, Samuel Mohammed, Gideon Omale, Sunday Philip and Adebayo Gabriel.

Ato said they were therefore, arrested for committing the crime.

He stated that the offences contravened Sections 97 and 222 of the Penal Code Law of Benue, 2004.