In a recent development, the Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court has directed the remand of eight individuals at the Nigeria Correctional Service Centre in Makurdi. They are facing charges related to their alleged involvement in cult activities and the murder of a man named Sunday Ogah.
The accused individuals are Destiny Ogwu, Friday Alagi, Sunday Ode, Ogbada Ominyi, James Abah, Joseph Ogilewu, Israel Agwu, and John Ogor. All of them are residents of the Oju Local Government Area in Benue. The charges against them include criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, causing grievous hurt, unlawful society, and acts of terrorism.
During the court session on Monday, the pleas of the suspects were not taken due to a lack of jurisdiction. The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Kelvin Mbanongun, adjourned the matter to March 14 for further proceedings.
According to the Prosecution Counsel, Insp. Jonah Uletu, the case was transferred from the Oju Division to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi on January 10, as indicated in a letter dated January 9.
The prosecution explained that a clash between rival cults erupted in Onyike Market in Oju on January 4, leading to severe machete attacks on victims Sunday Ogah, Joseph Odigiri, and Joseph Ofor. The injured individuals were initially taken to General Hospital, Oju, but Ogah was later referred to Benue State University Teaching Hospital for advanced treatment. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries on January 11.
Uletu also revealed that the defendants, arrested in connection with the crimes, allegedly confessed to being members of various cult groups that have been causing terror in Oju and its surroundings.
The charges brought against the suspects violate Sections 97, 222, and 248 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue, 2004.