A Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered that eight persons be remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Service Centre, Makurdi, for their alleged involvement in cult activities and the murder of one Sunday Ogah.
The suspects are Destiny Ogwu, Friday Alagi, Sunday Ode, Ogbada Ominyi, James Abah, Joseph Ogilewu, Israel Agwu and John Ogor.
They all reside in Oju Local Government Area of Benue and were charged with criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, causing grievous hurt, unlawful society and acts of terrorism.
When the case came up for mention on Monday, the suspects plea were not taken for the lack of jurisdiction.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Kelvin Mbanongun, adjourned the matter to March 14 for further mention.
The Prosecution Counsel, Insp. Jonah Uletu, had earlier informed the court that the case was transferred from Oju Division on January 10 to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Makurdi, via a letter dated January 9.
“On January 4, chaos broke out in Onyike Market in Oju due to a rival cult clash,” he said.
Uletu also said that the defendants, who were arrested in connection with the crimes, allegedly confessed being members of various cult groups terrorizing Oju and its environs.
He said that the offences contravened Sections 97, 222, 248 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue, 2004.
He said they also contravened Section 11(2) of the Abduction, Hostage taking, Kidnapping, Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Law of Benue, 2017.
